"Eating less and getting more exercise" is the answer we often hear when it comes to losing weight. The truth is that it is not so simple. Yes, if we want to lose weight, we need to burn more calories than we consume, but losing weight is not just about eating less and getting more exercise; it's about finding the balance that's right for you.
And the same can be said of our dogs. To help them lose weight, they will have to help them burn more calories than they consume, but to maintain it, you will have to find a balance that suits them.
Laika started gaining weight a few years ago and I tried many methods. Some worked and some did not. The good ones that worked are the ones I'm going to share today. They not only helped her lose weight, they also helped her maintain her in the long run. Here are 5 tips to help your dog lose weight and keep it in the long run.
Now, the first part of this is pretty obvious - if your dog needs to lose weight, he should eat less. But the second part, which involves measuring your dog's meals, is often overlooked, but without measurement, it is difficult to evaluate the results. If you want to reduce the amount of food your dog eats, the only way to know for sure how good it is is to measure all your meals and track your progress.
If you have been eating the same amount of food for some time and your dog needs to lose weight, reduce the size of his portion a little (when Laika had to lose a few pounds, I cut 5% at a time). Take out a measuring cup or scale and start measuring each of your dog's meals. For 3-4 weeks, note the amount of food they eat and adjust accordingly.
When it comes to portion size, it's easy to overestimate our dog's need to eat. Unfortunately, dog food labels are not an exact science. They are based on the size and age of your dog, but do not take into account his level of activity. A Border Collie working on a farm will need more calories than a Cocker Spaniel that will snuggle all day long. Still, if they weigh the same weight, your dog's food etiquette will recommend the same amount of food for both. To keep your dog in shape, it is important to measure your meals well until you find the right amount for your dog.
If you do not want to change your dog's diet or if you do not know how much to reduce their meals, consult your veterinarian.
We could all do a little more exercise, and our dogs are no exception. To help your dog lose weight, a few extra exercise sessions each day can have major results. And I do not plan to bring your dog for a marathon - there are many simple ways to make sure your dog gets more exercise every day. Two 5-minute towing or recovery sessions each day can help your dog burn a lot of calories.
If your dog is not very good at first, do not forget to start slowly. Stick to low-impact exercises such as swimming and walking until they develop their stamina. Rather than taking your dog out of shape for a 12 km hike on the weekends, try extending your daily walks by a few extra minutes a day. And instead of spending your time walking in a race, try to speed up. A brisk walk is a great way to burn calories for dogs and humans.
Some of my favorite ways to exercise my dog are to go to our daily walk, play trash or frisbee, play tug of war, swim, hike, flirt and to play games like "find treats". a variety of ways to improve your dog every day, including many indoor games and activities.
Adding a few extra activities to your dog's daily routine, such as a recovery or towing game, will help him burn more calories. And because they are a fun part of the day, it's easy to keep it in the long run.
It is tempting to give your dog whenever he begs for food, but if your dog needs to lose weight, you will need to consider removing all that leftover food and treats. These calories add up quickly and cancel all the other weight loss strategies you've used. If you've changed your dog's diet and exercise routine and it's not getting slim, it's time to start reducing the number of extra treats.
If you use treats to train or if you want to give your dog snacks throughout the day, start measuring them. Use less and cut into small pieces. Count the sweets you give your dog every day to achieve total caloric intake, and watch the results.
Feed your dog several times a day
Do you feed your dog a big meal a day? An easy way to help them lose weight is to divide their food into two or three small meals throughout the day.
Like us, our dogs have a simple abdominal structure. After about 8 to 10 hours of meals, they are empty and they are still hungry. Feeding your dog several times a day mimics his natural habits and helps stabilize his metabolism.
An easy schedule to follow is to feed your dog once in the morning and once in the early evening. Eating at different times will give your dog a chance to burn some of these calories between meals. It also prevents them from having to digest a whole day of food in one sitting and can help prevent big dogs from getting swollen.
I know what you're thinking: making sure your dog works for his food seems pretty nasty. After all, we are their guardians and we must provide them with food and shelter; why should they work for this? The truth is that most dogs do not mind looking for food in a puzzle or treats dispenser; most find it very interesting. Their wild ancestors had to chase each of their meals and using a food distribution toy allowed them to use some of their natural recovery abilities.
If your dog still loses weight (or suddenly gains weight)
Most dogs gain weight gradually, but sudden weight gain can be a sign of a serious problem. Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and Cushing's disease can make your dog lose weight, making it nearly impossible to keep him in good shape.
If your dog has recently gained a lot of weight or is struggling to keep it in shape, it's time to go to the vet.
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