Content

• Steps
• Warning

Obesity in dogs can significantly reduce their lifespan. Dogs that are overweight are more prone to many diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other debilitating conditions. Because of carrying too much body weight, the obese dog's joints and back will have to increase activity, and this can lead to arthritis. If your dog is overweight, try to lose weight as soon as possible.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Know if your dog is overweight

1. 

   Evaluate your dog's appearance. Because the same breed can have many different body shapes, your dog's appearance will truly be the ultimate test to determine if it is obese. Checking your dog's form from above and from the side will help you get an idea of ​​its current condition.
   • When standing and looking directly down on the dog's back, you should clearly see its waistline before the hind legs and a clear division between the belly and chest.
   • When looking at your dog from the side, you need to notice a difference between the size of the chest and the belly. Your dog should have an easily recognizable waistline and its belly should be closer to the spine than the chest.
   • A wide and flat back with a sagging belly can be a sign your dog is overweight.

2. 

   
   
   Carry out the "rib check" of the dog. Another method of measuring a dog's weight is through the "rib test". Place your hand on one or both of the dog's chest and try to feel its ribs. In a normal weight dog, you will not be able to see their ribs, but you will be able to touch and count each bone. If you are unable to do this, this is a sign that your dog is obese.

3. 

   
   
   Check the dog's weight. There are many online charts that can help you find out about your ideal weight based on your breed. Remember that these charts are based solely on the average ratios and traits for each listed breed. Each dog needs to be evaluated individually.
   • Depending on the size of your dog, you should be able to determine its weight at home. If you want to weigh your dog's weight at home, you first need to determine your weight first, then hold your dog (if possible) and step on it with it. By subtracting the weight of both from your own, you will determine the dog's weight. Remember to always use the same weighing method for as accurate results as possible.
   • Seeing a veterinarian is the best way to determine the correct weight and also learn more about ideal weight advice for your dog.
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Part 2 of 4: Developing a Weight Loss Plan

1. 

   
   
   See a veterinarian. Once you have confirmed that your dog is obese, or if you are still unsure, it's time to see a veterinarian. The doctor can evaluate your dog's weight, discuss possible causes, and provide you with information on the weight your dog needs to lose or at least help you establish original goal.

2. 

   Make a meal plan with your veterinarian. Your dog can help you with a weight loss plan that is specific to your dog. This may include changing your dog's weight loss diet foods, using the right foods to reward your dog, adjusting his diet and feeding frequency, and increasing his / her feeding frequency. Intense exercise for dogs.
   • Your doctor can also conduct an assessment to see if your dog has any health problems that will make it difficult for you to follow a weight loss plan.

3. 

   Consider using weight loss pills in extreme cases. Currently, there are many types of weight loss supplements for dogs. Basically, they work by reducing cravings. Keep in mind that these medications also have many side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
   • Medication should only be used as a last resort, and should only be used in a healthy dog, and after finding out any problems that could cause the dog to become obese and unable to reduce scales.
   • Your veterinarian can determine if this remedy is right for your dog.
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Part 3 of 4: Sticking to a Weight Loss Plan

1. 

   Give your dog a weight-loss diet. Your doctor will help you decide what to feed your dog. This can be as simple as reducing your current food intake or changing your regular diet to a diet to lose weight.
   • There are a variety of prescription foods that can help your dog lose weight and help him maintain his body condition after reaching his ideal weight. These foods are generally low in calories and high in fiber to help your dog feel full while consuming fewer calories. These foods are more expensive than conventional foods and are used in cases where severe weight loss is required or when conventional diet reduction is ineffective.

2. 

   Measure the dog's food amount with each feed. This will make it easier for you to notice any change in your dog's appetite, as this could be a sign of other problems. This is even more important when you are trying to lose weight for your dog. You need to know the type of food and the amount of food your dog consumes so that you can assess the effectiveness of your plan and make adjustments as needed.
   • If you have other dogs in your home, you should separate them during the feeding process. Make sure that each dog is only allowed to eat their own food by separating each dog until they are done.

3. 

   Keep a record of how much food you feed your dog, including his reward, and how much exercise he gets each day. You can use a food measuring cup, but weighing food every day is a more accurate way to rest assured that you are feeding your dog the right amount.
   • You can make a chart or download it from the net. Remember to write down your dog's weight each week. Take this chart with you when you visit your veterinarian so that your dog can specifically assess your dog's progress.

4. 

   Reduce or eliminate unhealthy rewards. Most dog treats are fairly high in calories, similar to sweets that humans often eat. While there are also less-calorie rewards available, you can completely eliminate these unnecessary calories by replacing them with healthier snacks.
   • Examples of healthy and safe dog snack foods include carrots, green beans, broccoli, celery, and apples. As with any other diet plan, you should limit your dog's treats.
   • Always consider any food allergies before introducing new foods to your dog. You should also be careful as some human foods can be quite toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them.
   • When rewarding dog food, don't forget to include them in your daily calorie count. You will likely need to reduce other caloric supplies to compensate.
   • The rule is that the food you reward your dog should not exceed 10% of its daily intake.
   • You can also put the right amount of treats in a container and use them every day.

5. 

   Exercise regularly for your dog. Exercise will help improve your dog's muscle tone, metabolism, and weight. The dog's total weight is a fairly simple math problem. The number of calories your dog consumes in his diet minus the calories they used during the day will help you determine if your dog will lose weight. By developing an exercise routine, you will improve your dog's metabolism and overall health.
   • This should be the focus of discussion with your veterinarian before starting regular exercise for your dog. Some breeds of dogs are unable to perform certain types of exercise or intensity. Also, depending on your dog's overall health and exercise environment, you may need to be especially careful about the types of exercises you encourage your dog to do.
   • Usually you can start by taking the dog for a short walk, then gradually increase the distance and / or speed of the walk, depending on your dog's stamina, here's a simple way. best practice for dog exercise routine. You can combine exercise with play games, such as "pick up", or simply exercise and play with them for 20 minutes a day.

6. 

   Make sure the dog is mentally stimulated. It may come as a surprise, but mental stimulation is just as important as exercising when it comes to helping your dog lose weight. Many dogs eat too much to get the attention (they disturb the owner to get their attention, but often the owner thinks they are hungry) or they feel bored.
   • Groom your dog or play with it when it requires attention rather than feeding it right away.
   • Alternatively, use a "puzzle" type of bowl instead of putting it down. This way, the dog will have to solve the problem in order to eat it, which will also prevent the dog from overeating. There are many types of such food bowls on the market, but you can also use simple tactics like scattering dry dog ​​food on the lawn or placing your dog's food in cardboard boxes.
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Part 4 of 4: Monitoring and adjusting your weight loss plan

1. 

   Monitor your dog's weight at least once a week. Find a dog scale, use any of the same techniques you have in the past, and make a chart. Draw a chart of your dog's weight to track its progress.
   • You should take your dog to the veterinarian to weigh it every month until your dog has reached his ideal weight.

2. 

   Evaluate whether your dog's weight loss plan is enough. If you are reducing the calories your dog consumes and getting them to exercise every day, but still not getting the results you want, you should consult your veterinarian. You may have to further reduce your caloric intake, and / or increase exercise intensity.
   • Your original plan, even though it was set out by your veterinarian, will probably no longer match your dog's needs. If it doesn't work, you can completely change the plan, with help and advice from a veterinarian, of course.

3. 

   Think about which food sources your dog may have received extra calories from. There are many possibilities and non-medical reasons for why your dog is unable to lose weight. Maybe someone in your family has fed your dog without your knowledge or maybe your dog has found a source of food.

4. 

   Consider the medical cause. There are many health conditions that can make your dog gain weight and make it difficult for him to lose or lose weight. Hypothyroidism, for example, prevents dogs from burning calories as usual, and also makes dogs more lazy. This is the source of many problems when it comes to weight management.
   • Diabetes and Cushing's syndrome are also medical reasons that prevent dogs from losing weight.
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Warning

• Always do your homework before giving it a treat. For example, fresh grapes, raisins, chocolates, and onions can be toxic to dogs.
• Excessive exercise can also be dangerous for your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about a specific level of exercise in your dog.
• Always keep your dog hydrated. The water should be clean and should always be available to the dog, unless otherwise told by the veterinarian.