How to Help Your Overweight Dog Lose Weight

The best way to keep your dog from becoming fat is to control his portions.

Americans love their dogs so much that many have forgotten to think of their health, preferring the short-term gratification of all sorts of treats and indulgences. In fact, pet supply stores have entire aisles dedicated to treats and snacks for Fido. There are also low-calorie foods on the dog market dedicated to those animals who have gained too much weight. Senior dogs, especially, do not need to eat nearly as much as they did when they were growing. If your dog is overweight, there are a few things you can try to help him lose those unwanted pounds.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Toss a ball or stick for your dog to fetch, or take her swimming. Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

   Develop a food plan for your dog and stick to it. Resist the urge to give him table scraps, snacks, high-calorie treats and other non-dog-food items. If necessary, put him on a low-calorie, high-fiber commercial pet food diet. Increasing his fiber intake is one way to satiate his hunger. Making sure your dog is drinking plenty of fresh water along with the increased fiber will make him feel more satisfied. Ask your vet to recommend a dog food brand that will fit your budget. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet product. Portion control is key to any diet - human or dog. Read the back of the package and/or ask your vet to determine the right amount of food your dog should be taking in each day. If you feel the need to give a biscuit or cookie during the day, cut down slightly on her regular food. Offer her kibble during the day as treats but take it out of her daily allowance.

2. Take your dog for daily walks and/or exercise sessions. If your dog is older and less active, begin this exercise regime by walking twenty minutes a day and gradually increasing the time spent walking until you are walking at least 30 to 45 minutes a day. If your dog is young and active, toss a ball or flying disk for him to chase and let him burn off those unwanted pounds while playing games. Swimming, running and chasing balls are all good ways to get some exercise in while having fun.

3. Ask your vet about appetite suppressants. Slentrol (dirlotapide) is one such product. This liquid is added to your dog's kibble every day. After a week or so of using the product, you will find your dog is turning up his nose at his food because he is simply not hungry. If your dog is so obese that he is at risk for cancer, diabetes or heart disease, you may have to take drastic action and get him on an appetite suppressant.

4. You may feel you're depriving your pet by cutting back on the food she is used to getting, but she'll thank you in the end. Obese dogs are usually sluggish, lethargic, and seemed depressed. When you modify her diet and begin walking her regularly, you will have a healthier, spunkier and more playful dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your vet before putting your pet on a weight loss plan

• "Lite" dog foods don't really work, just feed them less

• Overweight dogs are at risk for diabetes and heart disease, have your vet check your dog before beginning a weight-loss regime.

References

• Pet MD: The Overweight Dog
• Pet Place: Obesity in Dogs
• Pet Md: Diet Pills for Dogs
• Med Page Today: Slentrol

Resources

• ASPCA: Overweight Dogs