| Most dogs will begin to be less active and will | | | | make them keep moving. Take them on a leash for a |
| self-exercise less as they age. Some breeds are | | | | walk around the block at least twice a day. Once they |
| naturally more likely to gain weight and be couch dogs | | | | can do one block, increase to two and keep increasing |
| rather than active pets, so it is important to help them | | | | the distance and the pace of the exercise. Start slow |
| eat only the food they need, not all that they want. | | | | and gradually increase to avoid stressing both the dog |
| Some dogs are naturally able to regulate their food | | | | and yourself! |
| whereas other dogs simply eat until they can't hold | | | | · Increase play times. Try throwing a ball or a |
| another bite. Understanding how your dog eats and | | | | stick for the dog, or playing a game of tag or chase. |
| how much they eat can help you determine how to | | | | Start slow, even just rolling the ball to get the dog |
| best help them manage their weight or how to | | | | involved. Lots of praise and attention during the game |
| effectively help them lose weight. | | | | will help keep them motivated and engaged. |
| To get your dog started on a lifestyle change and diet | | | | · Plan a regular "play date" for your dog with |
| that is needed to help an already overweight dog start | | | | another dog if he or she is an only dog in your house. |
| to get in shape consider the following: | | | | Running and playing with another dog is great exercise |
| · Cut out all snacks, treats and food items | | | | and gives you a chance to supervise and relax. |
| other than the actual dog food. This means no high | | | | · Cut down on the dog food by a quarter to |
| carb or sugary treats, no extra little scraps from the | | | | start. If you are normally feeding 1 cup twice a day |
| table or even any dog cookies. High quality treats can | | | | feed ¾ of a cup twice a day. Never cut out a |
| be reintroduced to the diet on a very limited amount | | | | meal, simply cut down on each meal. It is |
| once the weight has been lost. | | | | recommended to feed two smaller meals rather than |
| · Unless there is a reason why your dog must | | | | just one meal to keep blood sugar better regulated for |
| be on wet food switch to a high quality premium dry | | | | the dog. |
| food only, but not necessarily a weight loss formula. | | | | · Check your yard and house for hidden food |
| Most dogs will lose weight even on regular kibble | | | | items. Many dogs have learned to get into the |
| provided all the other aspects of the plan are followed. | | | | garbage, get into cupboards and raid the treat boxes |
| Ask your vet for recommendations for foods that | | | | or even get into candy dishes left on the coffee table. |
| would be beneficial to your particular dog. Switch the | | | | Remove all sources of food from where the dog can |
| food slowly and gradually to avoid digestive problems. | | | | access. |
| Don't worry if the dog refuses to eat the dry, | | | | Keep on the plan for two weeks, decreasing each |
| especially if it is a picky eater, it will eat when it gets | | | | mean by one quarter and doubling a reasonable level |
| hungry. If the dog does not eat for two days and you | | | | of exercise. You should notice a slight weight loss in |
| are exercising the dog as outlined contact your vet | | | | this period. You can either weigh the dog by using a |
| before proceeding with the food selection. | | | | standard bath scale or, for large breeds, simply use a |
| · Increase exercise - and this involves your | | | | measuring tape around the widest part of the their |
| participation. Most dogs, especially those that are | | | | body. If you have followed the plan and are decreasing |
| overweight, simply do not exercise themselves. Putting | | | | food, increasing exercise and cutting out all treats and |
| them outside in the yard for an extra hour doesn't | | | | do not notice even a slight decrease in weight after |
| count since they will likely take a leisurely stroll around | | | | two weeks see your veterinarian immediately to rule |
| the yard, find a comfortable spot and rest. You must | | | | out any medical problems. |