Help My Dog is Overweight!

As we get ready for a New Year, I think it’s safe to say many of us will have a New Year’s Resolution or two. Oftentimes we’re in search of the latest and greatest way to shed a few pounds. In today’s dog blog I’d like to discuss how to help your dog lose weight in 2013, if need be. It has been proven that dogs live much longer when they’re fed to ideal body condition.

Many dog owners really aren’t aware that their dog has a weight issue. How can you tell? As you place your hands on your dog’s rib cage, you should be able to feel each rib with ease. The ribs shouldn’t be protruding, but if you can’t feel the ribs he or she is most likely overweight. You can also look at the dog from the side. Your dog should have a waistline. Overweight dogs will have no waist.

Here are a few tips to help your dog shed a few pounds and improve their health at the same time.

1. Check with your Veterinarian to see what is the ideal weight for your dog. Your dog may have something wrong with their health, contributing to the weight gain.

2. Make sure you’re not overfeeding your dog. You can use dog food calculator to determine how much to feed your pooch. Here’s one put out by the Dog Food Advisor: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-feeding-tips/dog-food-calculator/

3. Many dog owners underestimate how much exercise their dog needs. Gradually increase the amount of exercise you give your dog to reach the ideal amount.

4. There are many great weight management foods and kibble. Be sure to read the label and aim for a balanced healthy diet. Pick a dog food high in protein, below average in fat and calories. Adding some wet dog food into your dog’s diet is also beneficial.

5. You can add vegetables into your dog’s diet. Steer clear of garlic, onions, avocados, tomatoes and wild mushrooms. Give them vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, green beans, zucchini, squash or spinach. I suggest steaming them to make them easier to digest.

6. Maybe like myself you love to shower your dogs with treats. You might need to cut back on the snack, or look for healthy alternatives, which are low in calories.

7. Don’t free feed your dog. A dog should be fed two to four small portions each day, depending on their age. Also it’s wise to measure your dog’s food, rather than taking a guess.