Is your dog overweight? If so, you’re not alone. In the U.S. today some 17 million dogs, or at least 30 percent of pet U.S. dogs, are estimated to be overweight or obese. Many people believe that if they love their dog it means that they should never allow their dog to be hungry, not even for a moment. Unfortunately, if you keep your dog stuffed with food all the time you are guaranteed to make him overweight. And that’s not healthy for him.
The single biggest reason that dogs become overweight is because of overfeeding. This is followed closely by giving your dog too many unhealthy treats and not giving your dog enough exercise. All of these reasons for dogs being overweight or obese are preventable.
Many people are not even aware that their dog is overweight. Many veterinarians report that they see overweight dogs in their offices and the owners believe the dogs are a healthy weight.
If you aren’t sure whether your dog is overweight or not you can compare your dog to a dog weight chart. A dog weight chart shows images of dogs in varying degrees of fitness, ranging from emaciated to grossly obese. You should be able to find where your dog fits on the chart. You can then read the description and see how your dog rates in terms of fitness. You can also ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s weight.
If you’d like to check your dog’s weight yourself you can run your hands along your dog’s side. You should always be able to feel your dog’s ribs. You should not be able to see the ribs but, in a properly fit dog you should be able to feel them. If you can’t feel the ribs or find them, then your dog is overweight. Your dog should also have a “tuck up” behind the ribs. This is the dog’s waist area. Fit dogs do have a waist or tuck up behind the ribs. If your dog does not have a slight to moderate tuck up then it’s likely that your dog is overweight. Finally, when viewed from above, your dog should not have a flat, broad back like a table top. You shouldn’t be able to set a tray on your dog’s back! If you can then your dog is definitely overweight.
If you are concerned about your dog’s weight there are some good ways to help him lose his extra pounds.
First, make sure you’re controlling his portions. Measure the amount of food you’re feeding your dog. Use the feeding amounts suggested by the dog food maker as a guide and then watch your dog’s condition. Some dogs gain weight on these suggested amounts. Some dogs lose weight. Be prepared to adjust your dog’s food rations accordingly.
Don’t free feed your dog. Free feeding is leaving food down for your dog 24/7. If you leave food down at all times your dog will eat whether he’s hungry or not. This means he’ll gain weight. Feed your dog two or three regular meals per day.
Get rid of your dog’s unhealthy snacks. Many snacks contain sugar, salt and fats which can add extra calories to your dog’s diet. The rule of thumb is that you need to deduct these calories from your dog’s daily calorie allowance. You shouldn’t be feeding your dog more than 10 percent of his calories in snacks. Better yet, toss out the unhealthy snacks completely and give your dog healthy snacks. You can give your dog carrots, cucumber, apple slices or popcorn as snacks. These treats have very few calories and most dogs love them.
Help your dog get more exercise. If your dog is overweight or obese he’s probably not very active at the moment. You still need to encourage him to get some exercise. Start taking him for some slow, moderate walks. Ten to fifteen minute walks around your neighborhood are fine to begin. As your dog starts to lose some weight he will feel a little more like exercising. You can gradually build up your walks. Walk for longer sessions and go farther. Once your dog has reached a good weight your dog should be able to walk for 45-50 minutes. Don’t rush your dog or try to go too far, too fast. It takes time to build up your dog’s fitness level.
Finally, don’t try to make your dog lose too much weight too fast. The only healthy way for your dog to lose weight it to lose it slowly. You should try to help your dog lose between .5 and 2 percent of his body weight per week. This often works out to just a few ounces for a dog. Don’t be worried if your dog seems to be losing weight very slowly. This is the healthiest way for your dog to diet.
Remember that your dog didn’t become overweight or obese overnight and he won’t lose the weight all at once. Look for slow and steady progress. If you control your dog’s portions, change unhealthy treats for healthy ones, and encourage your dog to get more exercise, your dog will lose weight and become fitter. Dogs who maintain a fit weight live longer, healthier lives. That’s what we all want for our pets.
See more here: Helpful advice about Feeding a Dog
