How to lose weight for dogs

The main method of weight loss for dogs is to increase exercise and feed them in small amounts frequently. It is recommended to feed dogs with low-fat and easily digestible food. If a dog is too fat, it is important to pay attention to weight control. Obesity can cause many harms, such as affecting the metabolism of anesthetic drugs, increasing the risk of anesthesia; affecting the digestive system, easily inducing pancreatitis; and causing hyperlipidemia. It is necessary to control the weight of overweight dogs.

Why are dogs obese?

Genetic factors: Dogs with obesity are more likely to have overweight offspring; excessive nutrition: Excessive intake of food leads to excessive nutrition, coupled with lack of exercise, causing fat accumulation. It should be noted that homemade food is easier for pets to gain weight than professional food; age and breed: As the dog ages, it is more prone to obesity, with females being more susceptible than males; breeds such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Yorkies, Dachshunds, and Labradors are more prone to obesity. Endocrine disorders: Sterilization surgery, pituitary tumors, adrenal hyperfunction, excessive insulin secretion, hypothalamic dysfunction, and thyroid hypofunction can all cause obesity. Diseases: Dogs with respiratory diseases, kidney disease, and heart disease are also prone to obesity.

How to judge dog obesity

Weighing: Generally, a dog's weight exceeding 15% of the normal range is considered overweight. Checking ribs: Try to find the dog's ribs. If you cannot find them, the dog may be overweight. Checking breathing: If your dog has heavy breathing even after little or no effort, or has difficulty recovering from a short walk or game, it may be due to obesity. Checking the tail base: A small amount of fat should cover this area, but if you can't feel the bones at all, your dog is likely overweight. Checking abdominal folds: The fold is the area behind the ribs. It should be smaller than the chest. The degree depends on the breed, the deeper your dog's chest, the greater the difference. A severely overweight dog will have a very prominent fold, while an obese dog may have no fold.

How to lose weight for overweight dogs

Firstly, the owner needs to control the dog's food intake and starch intake. If you let your dog eat freely out of fear of starving it, it can easily lead to obesity. Secondly, increase physical activity, increase the frequency and duration of walks, and play some sports games with your dog to achieve weight loss. Thirdly, feed prescription diets to further control your dog's diet.