How to tell if your dog is in shape or not? If your dog looks a bit more healthy than usual, it’s quite common. We all know the benefits of being fit, eating well, and exercising. We eat healthy food, do exercise, and spend time in the gym to spend maintain a healthy lifestyle. But why you have been neglecting your dog?
A chubby dog might look cute to you, but an overweight and obese dog can face a range of health problems. They can face joint diseases, diabetes, cancers, and heart problems, low quality of life, and an ultimate shorter lifespan. Like humans, your dog doesn’t become overweight overnight. It’s usually due to some bad habits that your friend put on weight. Regularly check on your dog, and don’t let things go too far.
How a dog becomes overweight
The number one cause of your dog being overweight is chronic overfeeding, and lack of activity. When your dog reaches adult size, it’s time for them to start eating grown-up dog food. If you are feeding an adult dog high-calorie puppy food can lead to obesity and problems with their muscles and bones.
Also don’t give too many extra treats. A few extra small snacks a day can add up to a lot of extra calories. Big or small dogs need to exercise daily. Some dog breeds have some special needs that have to be taken into account. Your dog needs some form of daily physical activity. If your dog has no physical activity they will become bored, unhealthy, and obese. Your dog is your responsibility make sure they get the right amount of exercise.
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How can you tell?
How can you tell if your dog is overweight or not? You can seek professional help, your dog vet can help you to make that judgment easily. You can also look for some signs at home. No matters what is your dog’s breed, you should be able to feel all of your dog’s ribs. Here are few steps that will help you to do this more professionally.
Body shape
This is an assessment of your dog’s physical condition. Gently press down on your dog’s rib cage, it considers how easily you can feel your dog’s ribs. If you feel a thick layer of fat then your dog is likely overweight or obese.
Also try to feel a thin layer of fat covering his spine, shoulders, and hips. This fat layer would not allow you to feel the bones. Also, look at the base of your dog’s tail, it should feel smooth. If there is fat on it, and you cannot feel the base of the tail then your dog is overweight and obese.
Check out your dog waist, your dog should have a waist. Look down at your body; if your dog has no visible waist then he is obese. Look at your dog’s abdomen, this should be tucked up. If your hand curves up towards your dog’s back then he has an abdominal tuck. Do not rely on your dog weight to determine obesity; there are several other factors like body build, height, sex that determine ideal body weight.
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Take your dog to veterinarian
If you think your dog is obese, take him to the vet. Obesity and overweight can cause a range of health problems in a dog, including heart diseases, joint issues, high blood pressure, and cancer. It is difficult for a dog owner to acknowledge your dog is obese, and it is the most important part and helping your dog to lose weight.
Your veterinarian can help you to examine this. The score your veterinarian will come with may be different from yours. He will do a tough physical examination of your dog, including a complete checkup of his lungs and heart.
Weight loss in your dog involves reducing caloric intake and increasing activity levels. If your dog is overweight and obese then get a weight loss plan from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can give you the best recommendation on what types of food your dog should eat, and how to increase his activity level.
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Implement a weight loss plan for your dog
Your dog becomes obese when he takes more calories than he burns off. Therefore you are according to a diet plan is to reduce your dog’s intake. You can do this by feeding him a specific weight loss diet, and feeding him healthy treats. A weight loss diet contains extra protein that would stimulate your dog’s metabolism and help him feel full.
Also, you have to work to increase your dog’s activity level. There are several ways to help your dog to be more active. Take him out for longer walks; at a minimum take him out for 15 minutes each day. If your dog likes longer walks, feel free to take him for longer strolls. Before increasing your dog’s activity levels talk to your veterinarian. A sudden increase in your dog’s activity level could increase his risk of injury. Schedule a little playtime with your dog, play a fetch or tug with your dog.
Monitor your dog weight about once every two weeks. It will help you to determine if the diet plan and extra exercise working or not. If your dog is losing his weight then great, or if not talk with your vet about how to readjust the weight loss plan.
Conclusion!
Once you put your dog on diet, monitor their progress according to plan. Make changes in your dog diet plan if necessary with the consultation of your dog vet. If your dog has few pounds to lose, it can take some time but with a proper diet plan and consistency in implementing that diet plan, your dog will be living a better and healthier life.
Always discuss weight loss and diet plans with your vet. If you want to determine whether your dog is overweight or obese, your vet will be able to provide you complete diagnosis. He will tell you which diet plan is suitable for your dog, and the next step for a happy and healthy life.
Article by jahanzaib ( petrevolt.com) www.houseofpetz.com