In people and animals, weight is closely tied to a wide range of other health conditions. Obesity can create heart issues, exacerbate arthritis, and contribute to the development of diabetes, dysfunctional kidneys, and even some cancers. Clearly, it is essential to ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight so that it can live longer and minimize its chances of suffering as they age. But what exactly do you need to know about your dog’s weight management?
You need to work with a vet. Veterinarians know best how to provide a well-rounded diet and lifestyle for your dog. They take the specifics of your home environment and your dog’s behaviors and tendencies to create a specialized plan for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Be prepared when you go to the vet–be sure to know your dog’s medical history so the vet can incorporate that information into their weight management plan.
It’s about more than just how your pet looks. We often have a skewed perspective on the appropriate size for a dog to be when they are healthy. In the US, we see overweight dogs and cats everywhere, meaning that is what many people find normal. In reality, nearly 60a5 dogs and cats are overweight and would benefit from a weight management plan.
What does a healthy dog look like? Though breed and body type will affect the appearance, a dog that is at a healthy weight will have a defined waistline when viewed from above. You should be able to easily feel their ribs without pushing on their sides, but you should not see them.
It may require a lifestyle change. Changing the type of food your dog is eating may help, but that is not enough for effective weight management. You and your vet will figure out what will work best–it may involve increasing the length or frequency of their walks, changing the amount of food they get, conscientiously decreasing the number of treats you give them, or changing how you play with them.
Have regular check-ups to make sure your dog keeps meeting their goals. At your vet visits, they will weigh your dog and score their body condition to determine how well their weight is being managed. They can then offer advice on how to continue or improve what you’re doing. This is particularly helpful because your dog’s abilities and needs will change as they age–you’ll have to adapt your plan periodically to suit your pup’s lifestyle.
Incorporate activity and play where you can. Keeping your dog active, even in small ways, can set them up for a healthier future. Give them meals in a puzzle toy instead of just in a bowl so that they burn calories and mental energy; reward their positive behaviors with more praise, pets, and interaction as opposed to treats; play tug for a few minutes when you take a break from work or movie night. These bouts of activity can really benefit your dog’s weight management–it’s not just about increasing the length of your walks.
You have to follow through. If your dog is used to getting treats or scraps throughout the day, changing to a stricter weight management plan will take some getting used to. They will likely beg for the treats they’re accustomed to receiving; you have to be the one to resist their puppy dog eyes and keep them on the right path.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is a professional dog training facility based in Bradenton, Florida.
