Everyone loves to pamper their dogs. But these days there are a lot of dogs carrying too much extra weight. Weight gain in dogs can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, we give them too much food or too many treats. Other times, they don’t get enough exercise to burn off the calories they eat.
No matter the reason, carrying extra weight can be hard on a dog’s body. Just like in humans, being overweight can lead to health problems in dogs. It’s essential to monitor a dog’s weight to live a long and happy life. In this article, we will go over several ways to make sure your dog loses weight.
1 – Change the diet
What we feed our dogs plays a big role in their health and weight. Many commercial dog foods and treats are packed with calories and can lead to weight gain if we’re not careful. It’s not just about the amount we feed them, but also the kind of food we choose.
To help our dogs stay healthy, it’s essential to pick high-quality, low-calorie dog food. Look for foods with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers like corn and soy. Turkey dog food is a good choice since it is lean meat with a lot of protein and low calories.
It’s also important to pay attention to how much food we give our dogs. Measuring their food can make a big difference. Instead of guessing or filling their bowl whenever it’s empty, use a measuring cup to give the right amount.
2 – Keep them active
Exercise is as essential for dogs as it is for us. Regular physical activity helps dogs stay fit, keeps their joints flexible, and boosts their mood. A dog that exercises often is more likely to be happy and less likely to develop health issues related to weight gain.
Try to choose activities that match your dog’s age, breed, and health. For instance, a young retriever might enjoy long games of fetch, while an older bulldog might prefer shorter, gentle walks. Some breeds have lots of energy and need more exercise, while others are more laid-back.
There are so many fun ways to get your dog moving. Daily walks are a must, but you can also try games like fetch or tug-of-war. For dogs that enjoy a challenge, agility courses offer both physical and mental stimulation.
3 – Keep them mentally stimulated
Dogs are very susceptible to getting bored. And when they do, they might turn to food for entertainment. This is why mental stimulation is so important. Keeping a dog’s mind active can prevent them from overeating out of boredom.
Training sessions are a form of mental exercise. Whether you’re teaching your dog a new trick or practicing old ones, training requires them to focus and think. Plus, it’s a great way for you and your dog to bond. Even just a few minutes of training a day can make a big difference in your dog’s mental well-being.