Winter weight gain in dogs is all too real! You may think a few extra pounds on your dog is not a problem, but did you know being just 10-20% over their ideal weight can cause serious medical conditions? That’s less than 1 extra pound for a Chihuahua and only 5 extra pounds for a Golden Retriever.
For many of us, winter weather makes it difficult to take our dogs on a regular walk. Further, some dogs are not keen to go out in the snow for a quick bathroom break, let alone a romp through the yard.
The lack of regular activity combined with the occasional treat from guests visiting for the holidays, can quickly add a few extra pounds.
What do these extra pounds mean for my dog?
Potential problems with overweight dogs:
- Shorter lifespan
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart disease
- Increased frequency of joint injuries
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Some forms of cancer
And because overweight dogs tend to lie around more, it is easy to overlook early signs of illness and associate their lethargy with normal laziness.
So how do I help my dog shed those extra pounds?
A daily walk can do wonders for your dogs weight loss, as well as their mental state. The positive benefits of a daily walk also apply to the other end of the leash. This form of exercise is a great way to improve or maintain your overall mental and physical health as well. So grab the leash and start pounding the pavement!
When walking for weight loss, aim for a brisk 30 minute walk every day. Keep in mind, a brisk walk means you should break a sweat within a few minutes.
This is easier said than done, particularly when your dog wants to stop and sniff every 5 seconds. In order to get results, start your walk as fast as possible and slow down as needed. Many dogs will get into a zone with a faster pace, making it easier for them to overlook the need to stop at the nearest fire hydrant for a good sniff.
My dog LOVES treats, and is relentless with begging for more!
Did you know that treats should only take up less than 10% of your dog’s calorie intake?
If you have a dog that begs for treats, it’s because they have an owner that rewards begging. They don’t make it easy for us. What are we to do when they look at us with those puppy dog eyes? Change your behavior and your dog will change theirs too.
Not that we have to eliminate treats altogether! Taking a close look at how these extra calories are adding up and finding some low-cal options will help.
Some low-calorie, healthy treat options include:
- Low sodium green beans
- Low sodium pretzels
- Unsalted unbuttered popcorn
- Carrot sticks
- Apples (without the core and seeds)
Click here to download a recipe to make your own low calorie dog biscuits.
What about diet dog food?
If you think your dog has gained more than a couple pounds, regular exercise and a decreased amount of treats may not be enough to help them shed those extra pounds. A diet may be necessary.
Determining an effective and safe diet plan for you dog can be difficult, and sometimes dangerous, without the assistance of your veterinary healthcare team. Your veterinarian can assess your dogs body condition score and determine their ideal weight, as well as daily calorie intake to achieve their goals.
Another benefit in consulting with your veterinarian is to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your dogs weight gain. In some cases, a prescription weight loss food may be necessary.
Consistent exercise, combined with carefully monitoring excess calorie intake, will help your dog lose those extra pounds. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can lower their risk of illnesses associated with excess weight, giving them a chance at a longer, healthier, and happier life.
Does your dog have a weight loss success story? Please share your story in the comments. We love hearing from you!
Recent Blog Comments