Dogs are just some of the cutest things in the world, at least as far as pet owners are concerned. They have their benefits; they help people lead better lives and pet companionship has been known to keep people living longer, happier, and healthier lives. For this reason, many people have a tendency to indulge their dogs and give them everything they need to be as happy and comfortable as possible and while they probably appreciate it, consider the fact that your dog's health may suffer.
If you have been looking at your dog and you think they may be getting a bit too fluffy, it is important that you take action. Just as it is with people, obesity in dogs is a serious problem that can lead to a variety of health issues for your pet that may lead to expensive veterinary care and even heartbreak in the end. For those out there who think their dog could use a health adjustment to get their weight back on track, here are a few tips on how to help your little guy get back his girlish figure.
Don't Overfeed Him
The back of the bag of dog food should have some recommendations on how much food to give your dog based on their weight, age or any other factors. This is a great tool to use that many people ignore, as people have a tendency to overfeed their dogs. Think about all of the times you overfeed yourself, and consider the times when you gave your dog a bit too much to eat as well.
Although you might, dogs do not need to eat three times a day, and they definitely don't need a midnight snack. If your dog is getting a weight problem, cut out the fatty snacks and focus on healthier ones. These may seem like small things, but every bit counts and can help you preserve the health of your four-legged friend.
Get Moving!
Your dog is the cheapest workout you will ever get. They are just as good as a treadmill, but cost a fraction of the price and they never need maintenance. Walks are a great way to help keep both you and your dog in the best of shape, and they are a great way to make sure that your dog has the opportunity to exhaust the energy they tend to build up throughout the day.
It is important to walk your dog when you can, but make sure that if you are walking them that you are feeding them and watering them accordingly. Exercise takes energy and energy can leave them feeling hungry. Food and water can help to replace some of that energy lost.
Ditch the Human Food!
While this does related to overfeeding your dog, feeding them human food is another issue all together. The food that you eat is packed with the things that you need to stay healthy, not your dog. Feeding your dog things off of your plate only adds to the amount of fat and other nutrients that are in their food, laying it on even thicker. Not only that, but some human foods cause severe problems with your dog's system. Do the right thing for your dog's health and resist those puppy-dog eyes. If you want them to be healthy, it will take work on the part of both of you.
Having an overweight dog is not a big deal; it is pretty easy for them to lose weight but they need proper exercise and food to do so. If it doesn't seem that they are shedding any pounds, see your veterinarian and make sure that there aren't any underlying problems that cause this issue.
