Some advice on how to get your little friend's paw back in the grind.
Telltale Signs
Before you start a diet plan for your dog, you need to know if they are really overweight. Try these simple do-it-yourself tests:
Feel their backbone and ribs. "If the spine and ribs are difficult to feel, the dog is overweight," says David Gonsky, DVM. He's the medical director of West Loop Veterinary Care in Chicago.
Look at them from the side. Their stomach should be raised. A sagging stomach is a sign that they are carrying extra pounds.
Get a view from the top. Looking down at them from above, you should see a "waist," or inward curves, between the back of their rib cage and hips.
Tips for Losing Weight
Exercise more. Exercise burns calories and reduces appetite. Take them for an extra walk or start a game of fetch.
Be playful. Toss around balls, Frisbees, squeaky toys, and other dog toys to get them excited about moving around. Shoot for 10 to15 minutes of exercise, twice a day.
Cut back on treats. You may not realize how many extra calories you're giving your dog when you toss them a treat.
"Reducing the number of treats given in a day greatly helps," Watson says.
Give them half of what they used to, and then reduce it even more over a few days. Or swap typical dog treats for healthy foods like carrots, green beans, or rice cakes. "These healthy treats are low in calories and can be beneficial to your dog," Gonsky says.
Choose the right food. Instead of buying any over-the-counter "light" dog food, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. They know your pup and can determine the best ingredients and portion size.
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