Control Obesity in Your Dog

Though it may seem hard to believe, obesity is a growing problem with dogs. Just as with humans, obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes and respiratory issues. It is very important to be proactive in the fight against obesity. Do not wait until your dog is overweight to take action. Practice healthy habits right from the start to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

The greatest weapon against obesity is exercise. Though the amount of exercise required by each dog varies greatly, due to the type of dog and the age of the dog, it is important to give your dog an active lifestyle. Take your dog for a daily walk to keep him fit. Supplement the walks with games, both indoors and outdoors. Have him retrieve a ball, or play tug o war, to burn extra energy. However always stay in tune with your dog to be sure you do not overwork him. Begin any exercise routine slowly to prevent injury.

Look at your dog’s diet to further prevent obesity. Have regular feeding times for your dog instead of leaving a full bowl of food all day. While some dogs are able to monitor their own food intake, many cannot. Be sure to serve appropriate portions for your dog’s size and lifestyle. A larger, more active dog will require more food than a tiny, less active dog. Also be sure you are serving a high quality food so your dog gets his essential nutrients instead of fatty, unhealthy filler.

Also be careful with your dog’s treat consumption. While it is tempting to give your dog lots of treats, do not feed him too many. If you typically feed your dog many treats, break the treats in half and feed just one half of a treat at a time to reduce your dog’s overall consumption.

Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s weight. He or she will be able to give you specific advice for managing your dog’s diet and exercise. With proper care, it is often easy to keep most dogs at a healthy weight.