Pushing Maximum Density ... now what? :
The first step in your dog's new, healthy-weight achievement plans is full physical at the veterinarian's office.
It is important to find the cause behind your dog's weight gain. Most often, substantial weight gain is caused by well-meaning owners who tend to give out more treats than is healthy, or think that a couch potato dog is a happy, content dog. While Elmo may be pleased for the moment, neither of you will be when his health deteriorates.
The first step in your dog's new, healthy-weight achievement plans is full physical at the veterinarian's office.
It is important to find the cause behind your dog's weight gain. Most often, substantial weight gain is caused by well-meaning owners who tend to give out more treats than is healthy, or think that a couch potato dog is a happy, content dog. While Elmo may be pleased for the moment, neither of you will be when his health deteriorates.
Although most obesity problems can be easily traced back to the owners, often sudden weight gain is also a symptom of underlying health problems. Hypothyroidism, Cushing's Disease, and more can cause a formerly fit Fido to plump up, which is why a vet exam is important to rule out medical causes.
Once anything medical has been eliminated it's time to start working on reducing that extra poundage.
Once anything medical has been eliminated it's time to start working on reducing that extra poundage.
The Healthy Diet:
It's safer to reduce your dog's intake of food overall, rather than switching him to a diet dog food. Most weight-loss formulas of dry dog food are missing essential ingredients and will not meet a dog's nutritional needs. Likewise, you can not simply reduce his regular portions by half and stop there either.
It's safer to reduce your dog's intake of food overall, rather than switching him to a diet dog food. Most weight-loss formulas of dry dog food are missing essential ingredients and will not meet a dog's nutritional needs. Likewise, you can not simply reduce his regular portions by half and stop there either.
The best course of action is to reduce his daily intake by 25%, and also spread it out over a more lengthy period. The dog who would normally get one big meal of X amount should be getting three quarters of that amount, but over a period of time. If your large breed dog normally gets three cups of food in the evening, start a new routine: one cup in the morning, one cup in the afternoon, and half a cup or a small handful at night.
Most dogs burn the calories during the day, so by reducing and replacing a nighttime intake with a morning and daytime intake, he has a better chance to burn those calories throughout the day. Discuss with your veterinarian just how much food Fido should be eating in a day, and reduce gradually to achieve that amount.
Exercise is Wise:
Exercising a pudgy pal is a little bit tricky. You can't make him work too hard, although it is tempting to do just that. Too much too soon can have serious side effects though, so it is important to remember that everything in moderation is best.
Exercising a pudgy pal is a little bit tricky. You can't make him work too hard, although it is tempting to do just that. Too much too soon can have serious side effects though, so it is important to remember that everything in moderation is best.
Start with sedate walks daily. Not too long, or you'll have a sore pet and sore feet, but half an hour a day for a couple of days, along with your usual routine. After the walking ritual has been established, and you've both had time to adjust to it, step it up just a little bit. Two half hour walks daily, morning and night. Then three times a day, morning, afternoon and evening.
Rapid weight loss is just as damaging as having the weight in the first place, so I'm reminding you once again, keep it slow, and let your dog get used to each new step. He should be losing no more than 5% to 8% of his starting weight each month. If the pounds start to shed too rapidly, take him back to the veterinarian immediately, as he could have serious problems.
Weighing In - Is Your Dog Obese?
