How To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
It’s easy for your dog to become out of shape if you start to slack on their exercise and feed them the wrong food. All too quickly your fun-loving pup can become overweight leading to a sluggishness and decreased motivation. To help you get your dog healthy and stay that way we’ve gathered a few helpful tips to start your dog’s road to recovery.
Start With Your Veterinarian
When people make resolutions to start losing weight they normally talk to their doctor first to create a target weight and receive healthy advice on how to succeed. Dogs need the same kind of plan. Your veterinarian will examine your furry-friend and help you create an exercise regime along with a diet plan that will be healthiest and most effective for your dog. It will also help you discover if your dog’s reason for being overweight is due to health issues.
Take Responsibility For Their Exercise Routine
As their pet a parent you are in charge of their exercise plan and making sure it’s completed. Any brisk activities need to have a thorough warm-up involved to decrease any risk of injury. Swimming, hiking, fetch, and jogging are all fun activities that will allow you to exercise your dog proficiently. Check out our tips for keeping your dog active.
Don’t Overload Them On Treats
It’s easy to give your pup too many treats or feed them scraps form dinner here and there, but it will not help them in the long run when it comes to their health. Your dog gains weight much faster than you do so what you may think to be a small piece of leftovers will impact them much more than expected. When it is appropriate to indulge your dog with treats, do so sparingly and try investing in healthier options. Baby carrots and celery are great examples of low-calorie food that your dog will actually enjoy.
Read The Food Labels
If you don’t read the food labels for the items you are feeding your dog it’ll be pretty hard to get them in shape. What they are consuming on a daily basis is key to successful weight loss. Avoid any food that uses generic animal fat as an ingredient and instead look for food with fish, salmon, canola, or sunflower oil.
Have Patience
Weight loss isn’t going to happen overnight you have to give it time. But as long as you keep to a consistent and healthy diet along with a regular workout routine your pup will be in good hands and on the right path to a healthier weight.
When your dog is in shape they will be healthier and happier. When your dog is overweight it makes them more tired and irritable. Your dog wants to be their best self, so make sure you are taking responsibility for keeping them healthy and active!