With the New Year now upon us, many of us will be looking to ditch some weight as one of our New Year's resolutions.
But obesity is a big health problem for pets as well as people, and our four-legged companions can often struggle with their weight.
Healthy pet food manufacturer Canagan says that owners "have a responsibility to keep our dogs healthy" and this "includes managing their weight".
To help, Canagan is sharing this advice for pet owners whose furry friends need to shed some wight in the New Year.
The right weight for your dog depends on its breed; Whippets, for example, have vastly different parameters to Newfoundlands. Theres a healthy weight range for each breed, and if your dog falls within this, there should be no cause for concern.
Weight changes often arent that noticeable, especially if the change is gradual and over time. If you are worried about your dogs weight, there are some key visual indicators that can help determine if theyre under or overweight.
Are the ribs, backbone or other bones visible? Can you see them from a distance? If so, this could be a sign that your dog is underweight
Can you barely see the rib cage or not at all? This could indicate that your dog is overweight. There are also other medical issues that could cause bloating, so if this is the case, its best to book an appointment with your vet to rule these out.
Does your dog have a large/bloated looking stomach that hangs too low? This is another sign that they may be carrying a few too many pounds
How can you control your dogs diet for weight loss?
Prevent joint issues. Some breeds have a higher tendency to become overweight, which can cause issues in later life such as hip dysplasia. Prevention is better than cure so if your dogs breed is known to have joint issues, look for food that has joint care as a particular benefit
Book a vet appointment. In some cases, obesity is caused by another underlying health condition such as an underactive thyroid. Its always best to rule these out with your vet before embarking on a new exercise or dietary routine
Up the exercise. Even if its adding an extra 10 minutes onto your evening walk or buying a new toy such as a launcher, as long as you and your dog are enjoying it, these extra minutes really can make a big difference in the long run
Feed based on target weight. It may sound simple but feed the right amount for what your dog should weigh, not what they do weigh. Dog food recommendations are based on maintaining their breeds ideal weight, so if your dog is already overweight, make sure youre feeding them the right portion size
Rule out constant snacking. Over the course of a day, a little treat here and there can soon add up to the equivalent of another meal. If your dog eats dry food, when weighing out their daily portion, set aside some pieces for treats throughout the day. This way, they still feel as if theyre being treated, but theyre not eating extra calories
Whilst exercise is a good way to help your dog lose weight, sometimes, due to illness or old age, dogs can be less active.
Splurge on a special piece of furniture for your beloved pet with these ideas
The Freddy wooden plush dog sofa bed
With a soft padded cushion, removable pillow and a pocket in the back, this ia luxury space for your pet to relax.
It costs 65.99 from Wayfair. Buy it here
Ailotrd donut deep sleep nest
This self warming snuggle cuddler gives pets a sense of security.
It costs 18.29 from Amazon. Buy it here
Outdoor or indoor three-deck cat or dog den fort
Providing lots of places to relax or hide, this can be decorated as you want, adding cushions and bedding inside and on the top deck.
It costs 47.72 from eBay. Buy it here
Personalised pet bed
Raised off the floor, with raised sides to make it snuggly, you can add your own cushion and engrave it as you wish. It comes in a range of colours and sizes.
It costs 175 from Not on the High Street. Buy it here
Here is our guide to the best toys for your pet pooches
Kong Floppy Knots Bunny
The newest arrival in the Knots tribe with a cheerful, floppy design allowing for great thrashing fun
Cost 6.75, buy here
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
Take aim with the new hand-held Take aim with the new hand-held Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster! High-powered blasting action launches your dog's favorite fetching tennis ball over 50ft in the air.
Cost 14.99 buy here
Trixie Activity Flip Board Strategy Game
the dog gets the treats by using different techniques for opening the indentations.
Cost 6.99, buy here
Talking Tables Pawty Party Box For Pets
Celebrate in style with this party box containing a party hat, bow tie, celebratory flag, dog toy, coloured streamers and confetti.
Cost 11 buy here
Prices correct at time of publication
Senior dogs are often a lot less mobile, meaning they burn less calories, so their food should contain a lower percentage of fats and fewer carbs.
Cutting out carbohydrates can also be helpful, but make sure you cut out the right ones. Grains all contain high levels of carbohydrates which release their energy quickly so are best to avoid, but sweet potato releases energy slowly and is a great source of soluble fibre, so this makes a great addition to your dogs diet.
Keep a note of your dogs weight to monitor their progress and remember that slow and steady wins the race a healthy rate of weight loss is 1% per week. If you begin to see a dramatic change, visit your vet to rule out any other health issues.
If you do switch your dog onto a grain-free dog food, it is quite common for them to appear hungry initially. As grain-free food is often full of higher quality ingredients, this means that the quantity you will be feeding them is less. Their stomach will need time to adjust to this decreased amount of food, but dont worry, your dog will still be getting all their dietary needs met in the recommended portion size.
Why your dog is begging in the first place? More often than not, its because weve reinforced this behaviour as we want to give them treats every now and again, but this is a slippery slope.
Here are some top tips to break this cycle:
Use toys as a treat. Instead of giving your dog human food as a treat, use their favourite toy instead. This will help them disassociate the food on your plate as a tasty snack
Keep them out of the room when youre eating. When you have a meal, the smells can overwhelm a dogs sensitive sense of smell, and we all know theres nothing worse than smelling some delicious food that you cant have. This will also deter people from feeding your dog from the table and will get rid of their opportunity to beg.
Break up their meal times. If youre only feeding your dog once a day, consider breaking this up into two or three separate meals, but make sure youre still only feeding them the same amount across the day. If you time one of these with your own meals, your dogs focus is much more likely to be on their own bowl instead of whats on your plate
Read more here:
Advice for owners of fat dogs who want to help their pets lose weight - Devon Live
