How to Help Your Obese Dog Lose Weight
Just as humans who overeat and avoid exercise can develop a weight problem, so can dogs. Obesity in dogs can cause health problems due to stress on the joints and internal organs and may ultimately lead to a shortened life if the problem is not taken care of properly. If you suspect that your dog may be overweight, there are steps you can take to help the dog return to an ideal weight so it can live a healthy life.
Instructions
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Take your dog to see a veterinarian. The vet can tell you just how bad your dog's weight problem is and give you an idea of the ideal weight for your dog's size and breed. He may also offer you tips on altering your dog's diet and activity levels.
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Establish set feeding times instead of leaving food out for the dog to eat whenever it wants to. Feeding this way gives you control over the dog's food intake so you can be sure the dog isn't overeating. You may also want to consider switching to a food that is specially formulated for weight management and giving the dog smaller meals more frequently rather than one or two larger meals per day.
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Avoid feeding the dog high-calorie treats or table scraps. If you use treats to reward your dog for certain tasks, consider a healthy alternative such as carrot sticks.
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Increase the amount of exercise your dog gets by playing games like fetch and taking the dog for more frequent walks. Because overweight dogs may have breathing problems and are more prone to overheating, start out slowly and gradually increase the length and intensity of exercise sessions.
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References
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