The first step is to reduce treats and tidbits and to remove high fat treats from the diet altogether. Therefore, to stop weight gain, or achieve weight loss, your dog has two options: to eat fewer calories or to burn more - or ideally, both. My dog is overweight, what should I do?Īlthough some dogs are more prone to putting on weight than others, weight gain is only possible when the number of calories going in is greater than the amount being used by the dog. If in doubt, you can always ask your vet. You should be able to easily feel the last two ribs. Ideally, when looking down from above, there should be a clear waistline and when looking from the side, the tummy should be tucked up towards the hind legs. Is my dog overweight?Īs a rough guide, take a look at the below scale to see if your dog might be overweight. We're all so used to seeing overweight dogs that their physique has now become the standard, while healthy, lean dogs are increasingly being reported to the RSPCA as malnourished. According to vets, a fifth of owners of overweight dogs don't realise their pet is too heavy and 9 out of 10 don't see animal obesity as a life-threatening risk. The issue is confounded by a general lack of awareness. Over time, the excess fats and sugars are stored away in fat cells (sugar is converted to fat for storage) and as the months and years pass, the pounds start to pile up. All of the most popular dog foods, treats, table-scraps and tidbits all around the world are high in fat and/or sugar. Dogs, like humans, find fats and sugars absolutely irresistible. The problem is the foods they enjoy the most tend to be the worst for them. We all want our dogs to be happy and a big part of their happiness comes from enjoying their food. Ironically, the biggest cause of excess weight in dogs is our own kindness. Obviously, nobody sets out to get their dog fat, so why are so many dogs overweight?
Overweight dogs are also much more likely to suffer from joint problems, high blood pressure and breathing difficulties. In fact, obesity can reduce a dogs life by up to two years with massively increased incidence of heart disease and diabetes.
As a proportion of the total UK dog population, that would equate to almost 4 million British dogs that are carrying too much weight and living shorter lives as a result. The research, conducted by the PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturers Association), reveals that nearly half of the pets seen by vets are overweight. | By David Jackson, .ukĭog obesity has been on the rise for years but new research shows that our best friends' weight problem is rapidly reaching crisis point.
BEST DOG FOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS HOW TO
How to get your overweight dog to lose weight.
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