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