Do not allow your dog to be overweight, as this can lead to a drastic decline in age. Overweight dogs are prone to diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, cancer and other debilitating problems. The joints and back of the dog will be very burdened by its own weight and can result in arthritis. If your dog is too fat, lose weight immediately for his own good, with the following steps.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Determining the Dog's Weight
Step 1. Evaluate the dog's appearance
Dogs have a variety of body types, although the breed is the same. Therefore determining whether or not a dog is overweight is a difficult task. View his appearance from above and from the side to assess his current state.
- When standing on top of your dog, look at his back and waist in front of the hind legs so you can see the difference between the chest and abdomen.
- When the dog is viewed from the side, you will be able to see the difference in size between the chest and abdomen. The dog's waist should be easily visible and the abdomen closer to the spine than to the chest.
- A broad, flat back and a sagging abdomen are signs that your dog is overweight.
Step 2. Perform a "rib test" on the dog
Another method of evaluating a dog's weight is to perform a "rib test". Place both hands on each side of the dog's chest, then feel the ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs clearly and count how many there are. If you can't, your dog is overweight.
Step 3. Weigh your dog
There are several charts that show the ideal weight of a dog by breed. Remember, this graph is based on the average weight and common breeds listed. Ultimately, each dog should be assessed individually.
- Depending on the size of the dog, you can measure its weight at home. First of all, carry your dog then get on the scales and measure your weight. After that, weigh yourself without holding the dog. Lose weight when carrying the dog heavily without carrying the dog. The difference is your dog's current weight. Always use the same weighing method for the most accurate results.
- Visit your vet to easily measure your dog's weight and get a recommendation for the ideal weight for your dog.
Part 2 of 4: Creating a Diet Program
Step 1. Visit the vet
If your dog is definitely overweight, or you're still in doubt, see your vet. Your veterinarian will be able to evaluate your dog's weight, identify possible causes, and suggest how much weight you need to lose at an early stage.
Step 2. Create a food menu for your dog with the help of a veterinarian
Your vet will also be able to help with a diet plan for your dog. This includes switching to diet-specific foods, allowed snacks, adjusting portion sizes and meal frequency, and increasing the amount of exercise.
The vet can also assess whether the diet program should not be carried out for health reasons
Step 3. In extreme cases, consider using slimming drugs
Now, special slimming drugs for dogs can be purchased. This drug works by reducing appetite. However, also pay attention to side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Medication should only be used as a last resort, and only after ruling out all medical problems that could be the cause of the dog's excess and inability to lose weight.
- The vet will determine if your dog can be given these drugs.
Part 3 of 4: Going on a Diet Program
Step 1. Provide food specifically for the diet
Your veterinarian can help determine the type of food for your dog. You can reduce the portion of dog food or replace it with special diet food.
There are diet recipes that can help you lose your dog's weight and reach his ideal weight. This diet menu consists of foods that are low in calories and rich in fiber so that dogs still feel full even though they consume few calories. These foods are usually quite expensive and are used in extreme cases when the regular diet doesn't work for the dog
Step 2. Measure the dog's food at each meal
This way changes in appetite can be clearly seen, which could indicate another problem. You will need to know how much food your dog is eating to gauge the effectiveness of your program and make adjustments if necessary.
If you have other dogs at home, it's best to separate them at mealtime. Make sure each dog gets his own food in a separate room until the food runs out
Step 3. Make a note of how much food you eat each day, including snacks and the amount of exercise you do
You can use a measuring cup, but weighing your food daily is much more accurate.
Make a graphic or download it from the internet. Be sure to include your dog's weekly weight. Take him to the vet for the best evaluation of your dog's progress
Step 4. Reduce or stop giving unhealthy snacks
Most of the snacks sold are high in calories, similar to candy for humans. Although low-calorie snacks are also sold, it's best to stop or replace them with healthier snacks.
- Healthy snacks include carrots, green beans, broccoli, celery, and apples. This snack should not be given too much to the dog.
- Always consider food allergies before you give your dog a new food. In addition, some human foods should be avoided as they can be toxic to dogs.
- When giving a snack, don't forget to include it in your total daily calories. To compensate, you may need to reduce your calorie intake from other sources.
- The rule, snacks should not be more than 10% of the total daily diet.
- You can also put some kibble in a container and use it as a snack for the day.
Step 5. Get your dog to exercise more often
Exercise will build muscle, increase metabolism and lose weight. Dog weight formula is very simple, the number of calories consumed less the number of calories used in a day, will determine whether the dog will lose weight or not. By exercising regularly, your dog's metabolism and overall health will improve.
- This will be a major topic to discuss with your veterinarian, before your dog begins regular exercise. Some breeds of dogs can't do certain types and intensities of exercise. Also, depending on the dog's overall health and the environment around the exercise site, you will need to be careful what your dog will do.
- In general, start with short walks and gradually increase the distance and/or speed. This method is quite simple depending on your dog's abilities. You can also combine it with playing throw and catch or giving toys for 20 minutes a day.
Part 4 of 4: Monitoring and Managing a Diet Program
Step 1. Monitor your dog's weight once a week
Buy a dog scale or use the previous weighing method and graph it. Track your dog's weight gain to see the progress made.
Dogs should be weighed by a veterinarian once a month until the ideal weight has been reached
Step 2. Evaluate whether the diet program is adequate
If your dog's calorie intake has been restricted and exercise time has been increased, but the desired results have not been achieved, consult your veterinarian again. Maybe the calorie limit should be and exercise time needs to be increased.
The initial program that the veterinarian may arrange may not be sufficient for the dog's needs. Please change the program with your vet if it doesn't work
Step 3. Think of other things that give your dog extra calories
There are several non-medical possibilities that prevent a dog from losing weight. Maybe someone in the house doesn't know your dog is on a diet and continues to give him treats. Or, your dog can access his food supply.
Step 4. Think of any medical problems that might arise
There are several medical problems that cause the weight to continue to increase and it is very difficult (perhaps almost impossible) to lose. For example, Hypothyroidism prevents the dog from burning calories properly and reduces the dog's desire to be active.
Diabetes and Cushing's disease are also examples of medical reasons why dogs have difficulty losing weight
Warning
- Always do some research on food before giving it to dogs. For example, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions are toxic foods for dogs.
- Activities that are too strenuous can be dangerous for dogs. Consult your veterinarian about how much your dog can exercise.
- Do not restrict the dog's access to water. Water should always be clean and freely accessible unless the vet says otherwise.
