Dog Weight Problems
Just like people, dogs can experience weight problems too. Weight loss for dogs can be difficult however compared to other animals, dogs generally lose weight relatively fast. Because dogs can be taken on walks they tend to lose weight faster than a cat who is more inclined to sit around and not exercise much.
Dog weight gain can occur due to too much food, the wrong type of food, an illness or simple due to genetics. Like people, some dogs are predisposed to having a slow metabolism and therefore putting on weight easily. If this is your dog then you need to be extra careful with what you feed him.
If your dog has been constantly putting on weight then your vet may recommend a prescription diet such as Hills Science Diet. These diet foods contain less fat and other weight gaining ingredients but must be fed exclusively.
Raw meat and chicken wings/necks etc are also healthy compared to commercial canned dog food and will not incite as much weight gain.
It goes without saying that regular walks are a huge factor in dog weight loss. You should try to walk your dog everyday or at least get him to run around the backyard chasing a ball. Thirty minutes of exercise per day is a good target.
Dog obesity can become a serious health problem so you are advised to act upon it sooner rather than later. The breed of dog you have will determine his ideal weight. Your vet will have a dog weight chart that you can check if you unsure.
Once on a diet weight loss plan you should weight your dog once per month to see if he is gaining or losing weight. Your vet will want to know the results so the plan can be altered accordingly.
Although weight gain is a problem, weight loss is another serious issue in dogs. Generally a dog should not lose weight but if it happens and happens suddenly, there is likely a cause such as worms, infections or other illness. See a vet if you notice your dog losing an unusual amount of weight.
Dog weight problems can be avoided by a regular worming routine, quality diet and plenty of daily exercise.