Ten Tips for Weight Loss for your Dog for the New Year!!

The New Year always makes us humans want to lose weight. Many of our pets are over-weight and need to do the same. Here are some tips to help you get Fido on the road to less waddle and more wiggle.

Your Veterinarian is the first place to start. They can prescribe a healthy diet for weight loss and provide many valuable tips to help shed the pounds safely. Many practices do Doggy weight watchers where you weigh in weekly. Swap out treats for praise. Try giving your dog lots of praise instead of treats when they show good behavior. Many dogs learn to go outside then want back in just for food. Aim for a slow and steady weight loss. Try not to focus on the end goal but set five-pound weight loss goals until the pet’s ideal weight is reached. On a 100-pound dog that should weigh 75 just losing 10-15 pounds makes a huge difference in how they feel.

Use a kitchen scale and measuring cups to measure food. Not all coffee cups are just eight ounces and a coffee can is about four cups of food. Exercise your pet daily. Going on walks, throwing the ball, and fetching toys are great ways to burn calories and excess energy. Certain Breeds are prone to obesity. Studies show that there is a genetic link to a dog’s food drive. Breeds prone to be tubby are Labrador retriever, Dachshund, Golden Retriever, Pug, Cocker Spaniel, Boxer, Basset Hound, Beagle, Pekingese or Cairn Terrier. Low calorie veggies make great snacks. If you start your dog young eating carrots, squash, celery, and many other vegetables they will love them as much as regular dog treats. Keep your Senior Pet Moving. My 11-year old Lab Lucy looks like a six-year old. I watch her weight and make sure she gets plenty of running, fetching and playing chase with my other dogs. Bodies are made to move. I also recommend a high-quality joint supplement. My favorite is a new product called Rejensa. Try some high- tech gadgets. For home alone dogs, there are products designed to entertain and exercise them while you are at work. The i-Fetch releases a mini tennis ball for you dog to chase, grab and place back into the device to be relaunched. There are products to measure heart rate and chart their activity. Avoid Crash Diet Plans. If you cut their food back too much it will backfire. They will eat flooring, chew walls and furniture to satisfy their hungry.

These tips can help you get started on a great program to help slim your pet. If you have questions about weigh loss for your p, contact Dr. Norette Underwood of Trumann Animal Clinic at catdoc56@gmail.com.