There are several ways to help your dog lose weight. Pay attention to their diet, exercise, and behavior. Give them extra walks or try to treat them less. There are numerous options available, which you can read about here.
Two million dogs are kept as pets. Many of these four-legged friends are spoiled. It's estimated that about 35% of dogs are overweight or even obese. In this blog post, we discuss the causes and dangers of obesity and how to get your dog back in top shape.
Obesity in dogs can have several causes. It's often an imbalance between diet and exercise. However, obesity can also have medical causes. If your dog has a health problem, suddenly behaves differently, or is clearly unhealthy, you should have your dog examined by a veterinarian. It's also wise to consult your veterinarian if you've put your dog on a diet and barely notice any weight loss. In this case, a health problem, such as an abnormal thyroid, could be at play.
Causes of obesity in dogs
Is your dog overweight? Then there are a few things to consider. Just like us, obesity in dogs is caused by eating too much and not exercising enough. When your dog doesn't get enough exercise and burns little energy, they have excess energy. If this happens every day, your dog will become overweight. What goes wrong? Many dog owners fill their food bowls without reading the packaging to determine how much food their dog is allowed to eat per day. The packaging usually states how much food a dog of a certain weight can eat per day.
It's wise to weigh food with a measuring cup. This way, you'll never unnecessarily overfeed. Then we get that pleading look from your four-legged friend. This is often how dogs manage to get an extra snack. However, these snacks are often high in energy, which can cause dogs to become overweight. Therefore, when training and walking, use special training cookies—a little bonus. Owners sometimes forget that a toy or a pat on the head can also be seen as a reward. So, it doesn't always have to be a cookie. You can also weigh the food and put it in a bowl. If you go for a walk or exercise afterward, just eat a few pieces of your daily food.
Eating less to lose weight
Besides food, overeating can also lead to weight gain, as the dog has significantly less energy. A neutered dog can usually eat a third less than before. You can choose to switch to specific foods once they are pureed or cooked. Of course, your dog's age also plays a role. An older dog has less energy, resulting in shorter walks, less playtime, and more sleep. Finally, some breeds are more prone to weight gain than others. Some examples include the Beagle, Dachshund, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever.
Is my dog overweight?
There are several signs that you can tell you're overweight. First, the body shape of dogs with a healthy weight differs from that of obese dogs. You can see what this shape will look like in the image below. You can also calculate your dog's ideal weight, provided by your veterinarian. Of course, ideal body weight varies from breed to breed, as well as between males and females of the same breed. If you have a mixed breed or a deceased dog, it can be difficult to calculate the exact weight. In this case, it's very helpful to consult an expert.
If you look at your dog from above, you should be able to see its size behind the ribs. If you look at your dog from the side, the belly will protrude behind the ribs. You can also feel if your dog is too big. This is especially helpful for long-haired breeds, as the body shape isn't clearly visible through the fur. When you pet your dog, you can feel its ribs, but they can't see them. Then your dog is too thin. If you can't feel the ribs anymore, then your dog is too big. An overweight dog will be less fit than a healthy dog.
You'll notice that your dog tires more quickly during walks and doesn't want to play for long periods. An overweight dog will also warm up faster during the hot summer months and will start panting sooner. Dogs that have gained a few extra pounds are often very food-oriented and therefore often hungry. Does your four-legged friend jump to your side as soon as you hear something rustling? Does he open his eyes wide and even start drooling? Well, then you know it. When your adorable dog even gets comments on the street about his "exciting looks," you know for sure: my dog needs to lose weight.
The first step is weighing your dog. This can be done at your veterinarian's office, but often also at your local pet store. Your veterinarian or store specialist can then determine your dog's ideal weight. You can use individual scales for small breeds. If your dog can't sit still, pick it up and stand together. Then step onto the scale alone and subtract your own weight from the weight of your joint. Your dog is overweight if it weighs five to ten percent more than its ideal weight. Between fifteen and twenty percent is considered obese.
Overweight dogs: danger and risk
The motto "fat people are society" is often applied to overweight dogs, whose bellies look charming and endearing. But nothing could be further from the truth! Research shows that overweight dogs live an average of two years less than thin dogs. And of course, you want to keep your dog with you for as long as possible. Moreover, an overweight dog is at risk for certain diseases and conditions. For example, an obese dog's joints wear out much faster, and they often suffer from fat deposits and skin diseases.
Overweight dogs also have difficulty breathing and are in poor physical condition. In female dogs, excess weight can lead to pregnancy problems, and in some cases, puppies must be delivered by cesarean section. Many owners don't realize that their dog's overall defense mechanism is excess weight. Dogs get sick more easily, and wounds heal less quickly. These are all things you want to protect your beloved four-legged friend.
My dog needs to lose weight, but how?
There are several ways to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight for your dog. You can start by feeding your dog a diet food. It's important to weigh the portions carefully so your dog uses less energy. Often, the daily meal can be divided into multiple portions. You can discuss this with your veterinarian. The advantage of diet food is that your dog generally gets a normal amount of food, so they won't go hungry. This food also provides them with all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Treats should be kept to a minimum. If you do give a treat, make sure it's a healthy, low-carb treat. By designating someone to feed your dog and treats, you can keep track of exactly what your dog is getting each day. You can also prepare a treat jar with treats your dog can eat daily. This way, the whole family can feed the dog delicious treats. So, of course, disappearing is disappearing! If you want to reward your dog or start training, you can simply scoop the food from their weight. They usually find it quite tasty! Don't be tempted by their pleading look.
In addition to nutrition, exercise is just as important for weight loss
If your dog is overweight, they need more exercise. You can, for example, put food in a special ball or distribute it in many small boxes around the house. This way, the dog has to "work" for its food. Playing is also exercise! Fetch, frisbee, running alongside the bike, or simply tug: all extra exercise is included. Playing is also good for the bond between owner and dog. And as simple as that sounds, regularly walking an extra distance is also good. Walking stimulates your dog both mentally and physically.
Of course, you'll need to adjust your dog's exercise level to see what they can handle. Consider your dog's limitations, joint condition, and age. Is your dog overweight or obese? Then swimming is a better option than walking and running. In water, they don't support their own weight and are better for their joints. They can also move more freely and exercise their muscles. Is your dog not a water rat? You can put on a life jacket for extra support. Some dogs enjoy swimming and running laps on their own. Others need more stimulation, such as a floating dog toy.
Once your dog loses weight and improves its fitness, you can alternate swimming with walking and cycling. Besides cycling, learning to walk requires practice. You should gradually increase the distance and purchase a bike rack so your dog can ride safely alongside you. An overweight dog due to an inadequate balance of diet and exercise should lose weight with a special diet and, if necessary, gradually increase their exercise. Keep in mind that weight loss is gradual. Aim for a weight loss of one to two percent of your body weight per week. Losing weight too quickly can lead to complications and is not beneficial for your dog's overall health.
