Tough Love: How To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Any parent can tell you that love doesn't mean giving your loved one whatever he or she wants. Staunchly refusing to give into an earnest whine is one way savvy parents show tough love. Saying no to a daily lunch of a burger and fries is likely to trigger short-term angst, for instance, but in the long term, the child learns healthy eating habits and, if you're lucky, self-control.
Too many pet owners learn the value of tough love too late, when their dog is already dangerously overweight. After all, when your fur ball turns on those irresistible puppy dog eyes, it's hard not to give in and pour a few more kibbles into the dog bowl.
In addition to indulgent owners, certain breeds are more likely to eat quickly, sucking up their food as soon as it's poured into the bowl. Poor eating habits combined with a lack of exercise results in overweight dogs (and owners, at times).
Ultimately, excessive weight in animals, as in humans, leads to long-term health problems such as the development of diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Studies have found that 25 percent of overweight dogs suffer from severe joint problems which usually contribute to a further decrease in activity. A dog isn't likely to run about when joint pain lurks; even getting off of the bed can be excruciating. Excessive weight also makes breathing more difficult, as excessive fat restricts movement of the diaphragm and lungs. The bottom line is obese dogs have a significantly shorter life expectancy, and may not enjoy their later years as much as their trim counterparts.
So how can you tell if your dog is overweight? The ribs are key. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs in a standing position, and (depending on the breed) see the ribs during exercise. As always, your veterinarian knows best, especially with large breeds; their larger frames can hide extra pounds.
If you're among the 40 percent of American pet owners with an overweight pet, don't despair. Change is possible, and with a little work, you can get Bruno or Fernando back on track. Here are three ways to help your dog lose those extra pounds. One caveat: before beginning any new diet regimen, schedule a visit to the vet. Your veterinarian will probably suggest a blood test to check for hypothyroidism, a rare condition in which a malfunctioning thyroid gland incorrectly regulates metabolism. Before the visit, keep a simple record of your dog's sleeping, eating, and playing habits to help your vet understand what might be causing any weight gain.
1. Check your dog's diet.
Quantity
Reducing the amount of food your dog eats may be enough to bring him or her back to a healthy weight range. Begin by measuring how much you feed your dog regularly. Record this amount, and set a goal for a smaller amount by a certain date. For instance, if you feed your dog a cup of food in the morning and another in the evening, you might choose to halve that amount in three months' time. You should check with your veterinarian to determine how much food your dog needs daily. Products restricting the open space in the dog bowl, such as the DogPause Bowl, are useful both for slowing down dogs who Hoover through their food, and for clearly showing how much food is in the bowl. (In the Dog Pause Bowl, each division is ½ cup, making it easy to measure as you go.)
Quality
Your vet may recommend a weight reduction food. These mixes are usually low in fat, but high in fiber, allowing your dog to feel full while taking in fewer calories. More over, low-fat, high-fiber food requires more energy to digest, so your dog burns more calories as they digest. When shopping for low-calorie dog food, look for one containing at least 25% crude protein; this will ensure your dog's muscle mass remains intact throughout weight loss.
2. Set Specific Feeding Times and Locations.
Like people, dogs like consistency and predictability. They may be used to getting fed whenever they see you, as this could be your way of showing affection. To help your dog lose weight, begin a new plan in which you put out less food at specific times of the day. Many people find success with two feeding times, one in the morning and another in the evening. Avoid feeding table scraps and treats.
3. Reward with time and play, not food.
As you cut down on the amount you feed your dog, you may encounter irritability and begging. Rather than give in to the whining, distract your dog with a rousing game of fetch or a walk to the park. This will teach Brutus that food doesn't equate with love. And as your dog walks and plays his or her way back to a healthy weight, you may find yourself looking slimmer as well.
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