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When was the last time you checked your pawed pal’s weight?
If your canine commando looks fluffier than usual, here’s some news: Your dog might be obese.
Obesity can threaten your furry friend’s health in various ways and affect its quality of life. Luckily, we know a thing or two about canine obesity and how to whip puppers back into healthy shape.
Learn more about canine obesity and what you can do if your pal is tipping the scales.
So, how fat is too fat? According to PetMD, a dog 20% above its normal weight is obese. Believe it or not, being at this canine body fat percentage is a lot more common these days, with over 50% of all dogs in the country being obese.
Besides busting out the calipers and scale, there are ways to tell if your dog is a little too overweight. Here are the signs to look out for:
When your canine commando is obese, expect your pal to run into a slew of health issues.
For one thing, your furry friend’s years of service (life expectancy) will take a hit. Illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues are the results of obesity and can shorten your pal’s life significantly.
Let’s not forget joint disorders. Because of all the weight, your pawed pal may have difficulties during physical activities like daily walks. This is bad news, especially when it comes to your furry friend’s mental health and quality of life.
Too much time in the mess hall is a common cause of obesity. From overfeeding to being left with treats or human food, inappropriate feeding can lead to too many calories and pounds for your hound.
A sedentary lifestyle also causes obesity. Too much time inside the wire, and your pawed pal will accumulate body fat faster than a tuned-up Bradley. This gets worse when your canine commando has a metabolic illness like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.
Age is another cause of obesity. After all, the older your pooch gets, the slower its metabolic rate becomes. And let’s not forget that some breeds are just predisposed to gaining too much body fat.
Your vet is the most qualified person to check your dog’s weight. During the initial visit, your vet will perform body condition scoring assessments to check your furry friend’s body fat levels. This body fat percentage and weight will be a baseline on which future regular weigh-ins and dog care will be based.
Once you know that your dog is obese, your priority should be nutrition. Proper nutrition starts with choosing the right food for your canine friend. For better portion control and overall health, be sure to keep water available, as this promotes hydration and satiety.
Treats and table scraps can lead to weight gain, so keep these to a minimum. And feel free to switch to healthy treat alternatives like kibble, pumpkins, and vegetable sticks.
When it comes to choosing the right activity, pick something your pal enjoys like walks. Walks, park play, and the occasional Zoomie are sustainable activities your pup will stick to. Over time, you can ramp up the intensity by adding minutes or distance to these activities.
Is it pouring outside? Try these indoor activities to keep your pal moving.
Dogs eat when they’re bored, so providing mental stimulation is key. It’s also helpful to establish a feeding routine because this helps train your furry pal to eat only at certain times.
If food has been your go-to reward, change things up by offering praise and play instead of a treat.
Weight loss can feel like an uphill battle, but with measurable and realistic standards, you and your furry friend will come out on top. Aim for a pound or two of weight loss and monitor progress regularly. And when weight loss hits a plateau, adjust meal portions, exercise, or both.
Once the fat comes off, you can increase the calories slightly at maintenance. You’ll need your vet for this. It’s also essential to keep up the physical activity as exercise keeps the weight off.
Check your canine commando’s condition and weight regularly. Regular vet visits are also a must when you’re keeping your dog in shape as they keep you informed on your dog’s weight and health.
Do you need pro trainers to whip your pal into shape? If you do, go with trainers who have before and after photos to prove their effectiveness. Testimonials and reviews are also signs that trainers know their stuff.
Canine obesity can affect your dog’s health and quality of life, but with the right diet and physical activities, obesity is one battle you and your canine friend can win.
Ready to help your furry friend achieve a healthy weight?
Contact Scoop Soldiers today to schedule regular pet waste removal services and give your dog the perfect space to stay active and healthy!
