Effective Strategies to Combat Obesity in Dogs

We want our pets to be healthy. Part of being healthy is maintaining a healthy weight.  In our society today, pet obesity is on the rise.  We must remember an unhealthy weight can put stress on our best friend and make him/her lazy and unresponsive.  We must encourage them to exercise and stay active.  We must also be aware of their caloric intake.  If we feed them excessively, they will become overweight.

If your pet is overweight, bring him to the vet and let the vet suggest a good course of action.  Do not just stop feeding him, he could become very sick.  Always treat your pet with love and caring.  There are certain breeds of dogs that are prone to obesity such as: English bulldogs, Dachshunds and the Labrador retrievers but, it is possible for any pet (dog or cat) of any size or breed to become obese.  Pet parents today are looking for ways to keep their pets trim and healthy.  They are feeding their pets lean meats from quality protein sources such as: turkey, salmon, lamb, fruits and vegetables.  They are staying away from corn, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.

Here are some steps to consider to help your pet maintain a healthy weight:

-Cut out extra food.  Many pet owners feed their pets human food.  This can become a major factor in obesity. Also cut back on the amount of treats you give him. So stick to the rule of no extra snacks.

-Measure the amount of food you feed your pet.

-Consider a food that’s high quality with less calories.  Look for food higher in protein. This will help your pet feel less hungry.

-Exercise. Maybe a run in the park for a dog. For cats have them chase a toy.

As pets age, their activity levels decreases.  They become more susceptible to weight gain.  It is important for parents to develop a regular exercise routine and work with their vet to determine the best method to keep their pets healthy.