How to Lose Weight for Dogs

Obesity in dogs can significantly reduce their lifespan. Dogs that are overweight are prone to many diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and many other debilitating conditions. Because of carrying so much weight on the body, the joints and back of an obese dog will have to be overworked, and this can lead to arthritis. ^{[1] X Research Source} If your dog is overweight, you should try to lose weight as soon as possible.

Table of Contents

Recognizing Dogs Are Overweight

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Evaluate your dog’s appearance. Because the same dog breed can have many different body shapes, your dog’s appearance really will be the ultimate test to determine if he is obese. Examining your dog’s shape from above and from the side will help you grasp its current condition.

When standing and looking directly down at the dog’s back, you should clearly see its waistline in front of its hind legs and a clear division between the belly and chest. ^{[2] X Research Source}
When looking at your dog from the side, you should notice the difference between the size of the chest and the belly. Your dog should have a recognizable waistline and his belly should be located closer to his spine than to his chest. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
A wide and flat back with a sagging belly could be a sign that your dog is overweight. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Conduct a “rib test” on the dog. ^{[5] X Amy Marder Research Resources , <i>A Complete Guide for Dog Owners</i>, p. 42, (1997), ISBN 1-875137-83-1} Another method of assessing a dog’s weight is through the “rib test”. You can put your hand on one or both sides of the dog’s chest and try to feel its ribs. In a normal-weight dog, you won’t be able to see their ribs, but you will be able to feel and count each bone. If you can’t do this, this is a sign that your dog is obese. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Check the dog’s weight. There are many charts online that can help you find information about ideal weight based on the breed of dog you have. Remember that these charts are only based on averages and typical characteristics for each listed breed. Each dog needs to be evaluated individually.

Depending on your dog’s size, you should be able to determine their weight at home. If you want to weigh your dog at home, you’ll need to first determine your weight, then pick up your dog (if possible) and step on the scale with him. By subtracting your own body weight from the weight of both, you will determine your dog’s weight. ^{[7] X Amy Marder Research Resources , <i>A Complete Guide for Dog Owners</i>, p. 43, (1997), ISBN 1-875137-83-1} Always remember to use the same weighing method to give as accurate results as possible.
Visiting your veterinarian is the best way to determine the correct weight and get more advice on the ideal weight for your dog.

Develop a weight loss plan

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Find a veterinarian. Once you’ve confirmed that your dog is obese, or if you’re still unsure, it’s time to see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s weight, discuss possible causes, and provide you with information on how much weight your dog needs to lose or at least help you establish. initial goal.

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Work with your veterinarian to create a meal plan for your dog. Your doctor can help you come up with a specific weight loss plan for your dog. This may include changing dog foods specifically for weight loss, using the right foods to reward your dog with, adjusting portions and how often you feed them, and increasing your dog’s diet. Increase exercise for dogs.

Your veterinarian may also conduct an assessment to see if your dog has any health problems that make it difficult for you to implement a weight loss plan for him. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Consider using weight loss pills in severe cases. Currently, there are quite a few drugs that support weight loss specifically for dogs. Essentially, they work by reducing cravings. Keep in mind that these medications can also have a lot of side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. ^{[9] X Research Source}

You should only use the drug as a last resort, and only on a dog that is in good health, and after understanding any problems that may be causing the dog to become obese and unable to lose weight. weigh.
Your veterinarian can determine if this remedy is right for your dog.

Stick to your weight loss plan

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Feed your dog a weight loss diet. Your doctor will help you decide what to feed your dog. This can be as simple as cutting back on your current food intake or changing your usual diet to a weight loss diet.

There are quite a few prescribed foods that can help your dog lose weight and help him maintain his body condition after he has reached his ideal weight. These foods are usually low in calories and high in fiber to help keep your dog feeling full while consuming fewer calories. These foods are more expensive than conventional foods and are used when a lot of weight loss is needed or when conventional dietary reduction measures are not effective.

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Measure the amount of food your dog eats at each feeding. This will make it easier for you to spot any changes in your dog’s appetite, as this could be a sign of other problems. This is even more important when you are trying to lose weight for your dog. You need to know the type and amount of food your dog is consuming so that you can assess the effectiveness of your plan and make adjustments if necessary.

If you have other dogs in your home, you should separate them during the feeding process. Make sure each dog is only allowed to eat their own amount of food by keeping them separate until they have finished eating.

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Keep a record of how much food you feed your dog, including rewards, and how much exercise he or she gets each day. You can use a measuring cup, but weighing the food each day is a more accurate way to give you peace of mind that you’re giving your dog the right amount.

You can make a chart or download it from the internet. Remember to write down your dog’s weight for each week. Bring this chart with you to your veterinarian’s visit so the veterinarian can specifically assess your dog’s progress. ^{[10] X Research Source}

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Reduce or eliminate unhealthy rewards. Most dog treats are usually quite high in calories, similar to the candy that humans often eat. While there are also lower-calorie treats available, you can completely eliminate these unnecessary calories by replacing them with healthier snacks. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Examples of healthy and safe snack foods for dogs include carrots, green beans, broccoli, celery, and apples. ^{[12] X Source of Research} As with any other diet plan, you should limit the amount of junk your dog eats.
Always consider any food allergies before giving your dog a new food. You should also be careful as some human foods can be quite toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them.
When rewarding dog treats, don’t forget to include them in your daily calorie intake. You will likely need to reduce your other calorie supply to compensate.
The rule is that the food you give your dog should not exceed 10% of the daily food intake.
You can also store the right amount of treats in a container and use them every day.

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Exercise your dog regularly. Exercise will help improve your dog’s muscle tone, metabolism, and weight. The total weight of a dog is a fairly simple math problem. The amount of calories your dog consumes in the diet minus the calories they expend for the day will help you determine if your dog is losing weight. By developing an exercise routine, you will improve your dog’s metabolism and overall health.

This should be the focus of discussion with your veterinarian before starting regular exercise in your dog. Some dog breeds are unable to do certain types of exercise or intensity. Also, depending on your dog’s overall health and exercise environment, you may need to be especially careful about the types of exercises you encourage your dog to do.
Usually, you can start with a short walk, then gradually increase the distance and/or speed of the walk, depending on your dog’s stamina, this is a simple way Best way to get your dog exercise routine. You can combine exercise with playing games, such as “pick up,” or simply get them moving and playing with toys for 20 minutes a day. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Make sure the dog is mentally stimulated. It may surprise you, but mental stimulation is just as important as exercise when it comes to helping dogs lose weight. Many dogs eat too much to get attention (they bother their owners to get their attention, but often owners think they’re hungry) or they get bored.

Groom your dog or play with them when they demand attention instead of feeding them right away.
Alternatively, use a “puzzle” type of bowl instead of putting the bowl down right away. This way, the dog will have to solve the problem to eat, which will also help the dog not to eat too much. There are many types of such bowls on the market, but you can also use simple tactics like spreading dry dog food on the lawn or placing dog food in a cardboard box.

Monitor and adjust your weight loss plan

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Monitor your dog’s weight at least once per week. Buy a dog scale, or use any of the methods you’ve done before, and chart. Plot your dog’s weight chart to track their progress.

You should take your dog to the vet to have it weighed every month until your dog has reached the ideal weight. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Assess whether your dog’s weight loss plan is enough. If you are reducing the amount of calories your dog consumes and getting them exercised every day, but are still not getting the results you want, you should consult your veterinarian. ^{[15] X Source of Research} You may have to further reduce your calorie intake, and/or increase the intensity of your exercise.

Your original plan, even though it was devised by your veterinarian, may no longer suit your dog’s needs. If it doesn’t work, you can completely change the plan, with the help and advice of your veterinarian of course.

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Think about the food your dog might have gotten extra calories from. There are quite a few possibilities and non-medical causes as to why your dog can’t lose weight. Perhaps someone in your family gave your dog extra food without your knowledge, or maybe your dog found a food source.

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Consider medical causes. Many health conditions can cause dogs to gain weight and make it difficult or impossible to lose weight. For example, hypothyroidism makes the dog unable to burn calories as usual, and also makes the dog lazier. This is the source of many problems when it comes to weight control.

Diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome are also medical causes of a dog’s inability to lose weight.

Warning

Always remember to research food carefully before giving it to your dog. For example, fresh grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions can be toxic to dogs.
Excessive exercise can also be dangerous for dogs. You should talk to your veterinarian about the specific level of exercise for your dog.
Always provide water for the dog. The water should be clean and should be available to the dog at all times, unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise. ^{[16] X Research Resources Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health, <i>Dog Basics</i>, p. 11, (2007), ISBN 978-0-911910-99-5}

Steps

Recognizing Dogs Are Overweight

Develop a weight loss plan

Stick to your weight loss plan

Monitor and adjust your weight loss plan

Warning

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