Overcoming Weight Gain: A Journey Towards a Healthy Dog Life
Let’s understand why weight gain happens.
All around the world, weight gain has become a serious problem for most dogs and dog owners. According to research more than half of all dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. This number is slightly higher in regions such as Europe and other non-American countries. As a result, most dogs are at higher risk for arthritis and shortens life expectancy. When a dog gains weight, oftentimes, they are prone to complications such as diabetes, trouble breathing, greater risk for heatstroke, orthopaedic concerns, compromised immune system, reduction in the life span, etc. While many, the primary causes of weight gaining in dogs are the type of dog breed, food type, and size of the food they consume daily.
Hold on! Could it be the dog breed?
Research has shown that there are dogs that are more prone to weight gain than others due mostly to the type of their breed. These dog breeds include; American cocker spaniels, basset hounds, Norwegian elkhounds, American cocker spaniels, American cocker spaniels, Cairn terriers, Dachshunds, etc. These dogs are vulnerable in terms of health and could get sick so easily than other types of dogs due to factors such as change of environment, type of food they eat, and the care they get from their owners.
Oh oh! Is your dog begging for treats too much?
Most dog owners like their dogs to be happy and build bonds with them by giving them treats time in time out. These dog treats could make the dog gain extra pounds, but these extra pounds could lead to serious health complications. Feeding dog treats could also lead to nutritional imbalances and even stomach upsets.
It’s possible that your dog is getting the wrong food portion each day.
The size or food portion of dogs is a significant factor for a healthy dog. Just like humans, dogs should have a healthy diet to thrive truly. So giving into begging too much could prove fatal for your dog, as begging could sometimes mean seeking affection and attention than wanting to eat. The dog whining should not make you give into serving more food portions as this could mean extra weight gain for the dog. Do not give in to the whining. It is more what scientists call “evolutionary survival strategy” or simple terms “tricks.” If you give in to your dog, who is tricking you into feeding treats instead of a steady and healthy diet…this could eventually prove fatal.
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR OVERWEIGHT DOG?#activedog
Keep your dog as active as possible. Exercise is essential in keeping dogs healthy just as in humans. Exposing your dog to physical exercises can help reduce the calorie level of the dog. But note that exercising your dog doesn’t mean going on marathons but walks to the park and maybe a safe place where he can run around and play. But mind you, different breeds require a different level of exercise. So, always remember to consult your vet for more recommendations on this activity.
Monitor and reduce dog treats
Some of us give out a little too much dog treats to our dog, even when they do not ask for it. If you still choose to share treats, choose treats of low calorie and low-fat options better still, and regulate the amount you give them. Let me tell you a secret: clicker training can do the magic since they have zero calories.
By this time, you must have already consulted your vet for a healthy weight plan management for your dog. This will help you monitor the amount of food and nutritional level your dog takes daily. An appropriate measuring tool could help control the food portion of the dog. This will serve as a good food guideline for your dog until the vet says otherwise.
How about a diet dog food?
If you have tried all these recommendations mentioned above but still no results, vet-recommended diet dog food can do the magic. An organic brand can be a good option or yet still combine it with walks to the park. But always consult your vet for appropriate diet dog food options for your breed of dog. Certain fibres make the dog feel fuller than they are. Always consider the age, size and health status of your dog before buying any diet food. Or better still, get a prescription diet food from your vet.
Stick to the plan
When you have taken all these measures to reduce your dog’s weight, what’s next?… Research has shown that effectively losing weight and not following a meal plan like you used to will make ½ of all dogs recover all that extra weight back. It is also found that keeping these dogs on a proper and healthy meal plan after successfully getting to your target reduces rebound weight gain. Now you have successfully achieved your target and even better reduced on rebound weight, stick to the plan!
Want to learn more about dog training, dog behavior and dog nutrition?
Check out Pawsitive app to actually put theory into practice and start applying all this knowledge. The Pawsitive app helps dog parents raise happy, healthy dogs by providing community and professional support. We connect you to other dog parents and professionals. We are building a supportive dog parent community and we are better than dog social media! Stay accountable for completing wellness milestones with your dog and other dog parents, dog moms, and dog dads.
