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How to make a dog lose weight

26.10.2021

How to make a dog lose weight

The reason for obesity in pets is the same as that of their owners — overeating, poor quality food and a sedentary lifestyle. But if, in order to lose weight, it is enough for a person to realize the problem and show willpower, then dogs do not have such empirical attitudes as a healthy lifestyle or what friends will say. And therefore, all responsibility for both obesity and weight loss of four-toed pets falls on their owners.

Attention!

Before starting to radically change the dog's lifestyle and diet, it is recommended to seek the advice of a veterinarian and nutritionist.

Causes of obesity

With age, the dog's metabolism decreases. Together with less physical activity, this naturally leads to excess weight. It is also recommended dealing with such natural excess weight naturally — to reduce calorie content and amount of food.

The cause of obesity in young dogs may be their sterilization/castration — at the same time, the hormonal changes dramatically, which leads to a decrease in metabolism.

Another cause of obesity is the genetic trait of the breed. For example, Bassets, Bulldogs, Retrievers, Labradors, Pekingese, Pugs are predisposed to being overweight.

Consequences of obesity

Whatever the cause of obesity in tailed pets, the consequences are always the same:

  • impairment of motor functions — joint diseases and ligament ruptures;
  • breathing disorder;
  • obesity of internal organs;
  • malfunctions of the endocrine system;
  • predisposition to atherosclerosis and diabetes, increased cholesterol levels;
  • decreased immunity.

How to lose weight in a dog?

If the reason for the excess weight lies in the owner's love for his dog — due to its overeating — then with equal love, the dog needs to be walked more and fed less. In order to form new habits, both the owner of the dog and his pet will have to change their lifestyle. Games in search of hidden objects will help to diversify the physical activity of the dog — this is a favorite game of most dog breeds.

How to feed a losing weight dog?

If your pet is on a natural diet, then you should reduce the calorie content of its diet. At the same time, you can increase the frequency — for example, from two to three — of meals, but reduce the serving size. The calorie content of food can be reduced by replacing oatmeal with boiled vegetables; meat should be low-fat varieties. One day a week, you can arrange a fasting day for your pet by replacing the usual diet with a dairy or vegetable diet.

If your tailed pet eats store food, then you should switch to special food for weight loss. Give your dog treats only when training, and these treats should not contain sugar.

In summary

Balanced diet, reasonable exercise, and your love and attention for your pet will ensure a long and healthy life!