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Just like we do, sometimes our pets over indulge, become lazy and don’t exercise enough and ultimately pile on the pounds. Dogs are susceptible to weight gain and weight loss equally, so much that just a few kilograms can result in a range of disabling and life-shortening health issues including; hypertension and heart disease, difficulty breathing, diabetes, liver disease, poor immune function, and arthritis. Dogs come in all breeds, and even in different breeds, they can come in all shapes and sizes. So, if you’re not sure what is the perfect weight for your dog or you have noticed that they have recently put on some weight then the best thing to do is to go and ask your vet. The vet will give you advice on what to do next, but if you want to help your pooch stay in the best possible shape then there are a few things you can do:

Look At Your Dog’s Diet

Just like you would if you wanted to lose weight yourself, it’s time to look at your dog’s diet. Switch to healthy dog Food with fewer calories and more fibre and protein. This kind of food will encourage your dog to not only consume fewer calories, and also to burn them more quickly, meaning your dog will lose weight faster.

Cut Out The Treats

Again, does this one sound familiar? Time to stop the biscuits and other little treats they have, such as extra food and human food. If you need to give your dog extra goodies, though, make them count. Choose low-calorie, no-sugar treats that provide a health benefit and be sure to count those additional calories. Also, break treats into tiny pieces and spread them out them for whenever your dog earns it.

Make Everyone Aware

Tell everyone in the household what is happening, make sure they are all aware of the plan and that they stick to it. If anyone in the family is sneaking your dog extra food, your dog won’t lose weight, and their health will remain at risk, so make sure they know, they’re not being kind by doing this.

Up The Exercise

Dogs need regular exercise to burn off excess calories and to stay healthy. Don’t skip any walks, no matter what the weather is doing or if you’re feeling too busy, just letting your dog out for a wee in the garden won’t do. Take them for a walk, make time to do this, if you have to get up earlier then do so. Another Make sure you play with your dog regularly, which not only keeps them fit but stimulates them mentally. You could buy toys to hide around the house, chase each other and play ‘fetch‘ as well as this can sometimes mean your dog will run around much more than they would on a walk.

Don’t expect your dog to lose weight quickly; you need to have patience because even if you’re really strict with the diet, how fast your dog loses weight depends on your dog’s age, breed, and genetics. Visit your vet regularly to make sure that you are on the right path and to make any adjustments if necessary.