Just like the people, our pets can have problems with their weight, mostly because they want to eat a lot, but sometimes it can be caused by some health issue. If you think your dog might have that problem, then together with the vet, you should make a plan and help your beloved furry friend to lose some weight, to improve the quality of the life, and their general health condition. Check DogLeashPro to learn how to keep your pooch at a healthy weight. Additionally, sign up for affordable pet insurance by clicking here, and ensure your partnership with your vet toward improving your dog’s weight doesn’t become a financial burden to you.
Also, get ready for a long process, because it may last up to six months until you accomplish the wished results. Another important thing is the breed and the size of the dog, and their current condition. There is no fastest way to lose weight, and you probably already know that.
People can control themselves and maintain discipline when it comes to dieting and a healthier lifestyle. But, when it comes to the controlled way of living, it can be pretty difficult at the beginning, especially if you have to replace the type of food or give them smaller amounts of their favorite meals. Sometimes you will have to mix the dog food with other ingredients that are good for them, so they can eat more nutritional valuable foods, without feeling hungry. The truth is, this process can be exhausting for both of you, and you should have support from your vet, so you can give the same support to the dog.
So, as we said, before you do anything, you have to be aware of the characteristics of the breed and your pet’s personal needs because even though they are all dogs, they are pretty different. That’s why we are here today, to provide a few tips and tricks, but also some advice on how to take care of your four-legged buddy, without causing frustrations, and making things difficult.
1. Control the quality of the food
Once you have a pet, you are dedicated to their well-being, because you simply took them to give them a better life they would have on the streets or shelters. That means, you have an obligation to give everything in your power to give them the needed love, and love doesn’t mean huge meals. If your doggo is overweight, the first thing you can do is to take control over the amounts of food, and its quality. Your vet should be always available to you, to give some specific instructions, if needed.
Try to use quality food, and control the calories and other nutritional factors when choosing. If the breed requires a specialized way of feeding, then do that, so you can prevent gaining weight.
2. Don’t give them more than’s needed
Many people tend to put more food in the bowl than needed, and they do that a few times during the day. But, the truth is that two larger meals per day are really enough, and some treats in between. Another factor that has a huge influence on the situation is the activity. Some breeds can’t walk long distances, but there are those who need at least one hour-walk or more every day. Don’t skip that, because it’s really important to them to be active, even if that means only a few minutes through the day. If you aren’t sure, you can always ask your vet for instructions, and recommended amount of food they have to eat.
3. Break the meal into smaller portions
If you think they eat a lot of food, then you can try to break up the meal into smaller portions, and give them four small meals instead of two big. This is one of the ways you can be sure your dog has enough time to digest the food and burn the calories step by step. It’s the same even for people, if we split our meals, we are boosting the metabolism, and the whole body to work normally, without resulting in a high body mass index.
4. Don’t skip your daily walks
Choose your leash and other accessories, and then just go out and have fun together. You can find a lot of great accessories, foods, gear, and cosmetics at DogLeash Pro, so you only have to take them, and start your daily walk. Try to make it funnier for the dog, visit a pet park, where you can unleash them, to run and jump all over the place. At the end of the day, they will burn more calories, sleep better, and be happier in general.
5. Count the treats as a meal too
The treats are rich in calories, and sometimes they don’t have other nutritional value. But, we all know that dogs simply love them, and can’t wait for you to give them another one, especially when they behaved nice. But, it doesn’t mean you have to give them all. It’s really enough just one every day. On the other hand, some vets suggest trying to give them fresh ingredients, including fruits low in sugar and veggies, but before you do that, ask your vet for advice – because they know everything for your dog, and can give a specific suggestion on how to include fresh foods in their meals.
6. Make sure it’s not a medical condition
Sometimes it’s not just enough to cut down the calorie intake and increase the number of daily exercises. Check with your vet, to be sure there is no specific medical condition that is causing problems with their weight. Some conditions can result in a slower metabolism, and even though you control the food, and exercise with them, it’s not enough, because it should be treated properly by a vet.
Our pets take an important part and role in our lives. Once we take them, we have an obligation to make their life better, as much as we can. And they really deserve that. So, do your best to control the quality of the food, and try to be as much dedicated to their well-being as possible. They will always be here to give you enough love for that.
