How do I put my dog on a diet?

An overweight pet is not a happy pet, however content he or she might appear. Excess weight puts a lot of strain on a dog's body, just as it does on a human body, and can lead to serious illness or disorders if you don't deal with it. If your dog is looking fat, you are advised to find out what a healthy weight for that breed and age would be, and weigh your dog to see how he/she compares. If you find that your pet is obese, or very much overweight, it is probably a good idea to pay a visit to the vet. As well as recommending a safe, sensible diet for the dog, a vet can also check that its health has not already been adversely affected – it may be examined for thyroid, heart, or other metabolic disorders commonly caused by obesity.

 

However, if your dog has just become a bit chubby, then it should be relatively easy to deal with it without much effort – and it really is the best thing you can do for your dog! Feed a high-quality food at regular times, and don't leave the food out for the dog to graze on throughout the day. Routine is important. And the main thing you want to do is stop the in-between-meals snacks. Yes, all of them! Particularly bad are the table scraps, and more so if you've got a family. Quite often, a very clever dog is going to each family member with a pleading look and receiving a treat in secret. Each person thinks that they're the only one doing it, and don't know that everyone else is doing the same, to the greedy dog's delight! So if your dog is going on a diet, make sure that the whole family knows that treats and tidbits are forbidden – and remember that it's for the dog's health, and not to punish him/her, so don't feel guilty or sorry when you see those pleading eyes.

In fact, if giving a treat or a scrap has been a kind of “reward system” for when the dog begs, cries, or just turns that soulful gaze on you, then turn it around to make it a positive thing. Many owners feel overwhelmed with guilt if they ignore their pet in this sort of situation – so don't! Instead, when your dog seeks a treat, give it some attention instead of extra food. Throw a ball for him/her to fetch, go for a short walk together, play a game of chase. This way, the dog gets attention and beneficial exercise, while you get to show him/her that you still care without giving in and giving a series of treats that are harmful in the long run.

Exercise really is key. Depending on the size and breed of your dog, how much exercise they need will vary, but you should be taking them for a walk at least once a day. If that's only a short walk, then some fetch-style games in the garden will be beneficial, too. If your dog is inclined to lay around the house all the time, then send him/her out into the garden, if you have one, much more often for a chance to have a run or even just wander around. Be careful about suddenly introducing lots of exercise to a dog who's previously had very little, or who is extremely overweight – this can be harmful to your pet. Instead, start with slow, gentle, short walks daily, gradually making them a little longer, and introduce some games in between times. Over time, you can build this up as your dog's weight goes down and his or her fitness and energy increases.

Return to Dog Food Reviews Guide Home Page

Text copyright 2009 Dogfoodreviewsguide.com and may not be reproduced without consent. This is not the official web page of any of the products listed on this site, this is a review page created by an individual. This site is not written by a vet, and if you have special questions or questions about your dog's health, you should ask your veterinarian.