Tips for Successfully Dieting an Overweight Dog

Overweight dogs are more susceptible to diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or joint pain. It is therefore important to put a dog on a diet if it is overweight. These tips will help your dog lose weight.

The best way to help your dog lose weight is to work with the vet in planning the diet. He can determine your dog’s caloric needs and recommend high quality dog food that has a reduced calorie count to help him lose weight. These tips will reveal what else you can try:

No snacks or treats between meals

Dogs with obesity who snack between meals should avoid doing so, as it is difficult to regulate calorie intake, and can quickly go over the amount prescribed by their vet. You will need to subtract the treats’ calorie count from your dog’s requirements and feed them less at their main meals if you are giving treats. You can avoid giving small treats between meals if you do not want to do the math. This includes sausages, cheeses and leftovers.

Weighing food rations to diet

The amount of calories is important for a successful weight loss diet. It is impossible to avoid the fact that, if a dog wants to lose weight he must consume fewer calories than he intakes. Most dogs with obesity are severely restricted, and therefore cannot exercise as much at the start of the diet. When your dog becomes more mobile and is not experiencing joint pain, you can increase his calorie intake. At this time, it is best to reduce the calorie consumption.

You should always follow the instructions of your vet regarding the exact portion sizes. Always weigh your dog’s food, and keep a food journal for him to track. You can also add a note if there was a snack.

Exercise can help you lose weight

You should play with your dog a lot, and if you can, take him on long walks. If possible, enroll him in a dog sport school. It also has the added benefit that your dog will be less likely to overeat out of boredom.

Do not lead your dog into temptation

You should remove any temptations to help your dog lose weight. Do not allow your dog to enter the kitchen while you prepare food for yourself. He may then snack on food that has been dropped. It is best to separate the food for each pet and then put the bowl away after the pet who is not on diet has finished. If you don’t, your dog may steal food from another pet’s bowl.