How to Help Your Overweight Dog Lose Weight
Obesity in dogs is an important issue. Overweight animals are at higher risk for diabetes and other deadly diseases. They also have shorter life spans and develop arthritis earlier than their counterparts. As a pet owner, it's important to do what you can to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Your Mokena Veterinarian recommends dieting and exercise to help your dog shed weight and keep the pounds off.
Tips for Helping Your Dog Lose Weight
The following tips will help your pet lose weight:
Feed your dog nutritious kibble. For many dogs, the best diets are those that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, because protein helps develop muscle while carbohydrates tend to turn into fat on the body. If your dog is older, he or she may need slightly less protein than younger dogs. To find out which kibble is best for your dog, contact your dog's Mokena veterinary clinic.
Feed your dog less food. Find out how much food your dog should be eating based on size, age and activity level. If you're feeding your dog too much, gradually cut back. Reducing portion sizes all at once can cause your dog to go hungry. To avoid problems, cut back portion sizes gradually so your dog won't notice.
Exercise. All dogs need exercise. To find out how much exercise is right for your dog, talk to your dog's veterinarian. He or she can tell you about how much exercise your dog should be getting for his or her weight.
Get a nutrition consultation. Your dog's veterinarian will know what your dog should weigh and how you can help your dog reach that weight. Having a consultation will help ensure that your dog is on the right track.
Contact Your Mokena Animal Clinic
Pet obesity can be a serious problem. At Mokena Animal Clinic we help pets reach their target weight. For more information, contact your pet's veterinarian at Mokena Animal Clinic.
