Holiday season is done and dusted but has left its marks with those extra calories and layers of fats not only on you but also on your loved companion; thanks to holiday delicacies and treats followed up with more treats.
Month of January is National Weight Loss Awareness Month. So, if there is a good time to start working towards reducing some numbers on the weighing machine scale and maintaining what is called an ideal body mass for your pet, it is NOW!!!
Dig in to see what advantages do maintaining healthy weight has;
Studies have shown that overweight dogs have a shorter life expectancy by about two and a half years. Generally, overweight dogs tend to suffer from various ailments including arthritis, pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension and hyperthyroidism. Keeping your dog on healthy weight reduces or even eliminates the risk of these chronic illnesses. Moreover, reduced body weight take a stress off from your dog’s joints and help them move swiftly with little or no strain, enjoy their fun time while playing fetching with you even in their golden years.
To begin with, see a Vet.
The best way to start helping your dog lose some pounds is take your pet to your family veterinarian. The vet will examine your pet and assess your dog’s health to ensure whether the weight gain has anything to do with any other underlying chronic illnesses such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome. Once the possibilities of such ailments are ruled out, your veterinarian will provide you an appropriate advice in respect to the animal’s ideal weight, proper diet and work out plans.
Expert advice is must!
Get your pet moving
It is crucial that you develop a fitness habit in your four-legged companion and the ideal way to do is start with small; something that doesn’t mean too much for your dog in the first place. A walk for 15-20 minutes is perfect to get the animal out from the comfort zone. Gradually increase time as your animal gets in the groove.
Get them Moving!
Diet- Both quantity & quality are equally important
Having quality food is not the only important habit for a healthy weight loss but the volume of food consumed is equally important aspect of any weight loss program. One should opt for the pet food with minimum preservatives and maximum nutritional values. Include healthier munching options like carrots, broccoli rather than high calorie processed foods.
Keeping Natural is the Key!
Art of Switching
When you’re looking to change or want to switch to a new diet, let your dog settle with the food first. Allow a few days for the transformation. Ideally, it takes 7-10 days for a dog to adapt a new diet. At first, replace one quarter of the diet for 2-3 days; followed up changing with half of the total quantity of food for 2-3 days. Then substitute three quarters of your dog’s food with new diet for a couple of days prior to completely changing to a new food plan.
Slow and Steady!
Keep everyone around your pet on the same page
Reaching to the goal of what is called an ideal weight of your dog is a long-term commitment and requires a contribution from everyone directly or indirectly connected to your pet. Because nothing is going to work if someone in your family or one of your friends sneaks in a treat or two over your properly maintained diet regime. Tell them to opt for healthier ways to show their love for the animal.
Be on same page, Please!
Other tips to follow to keep your dog on ideal weight
- Avoid using self-feeder.
- Some dogs replace affection with food, so when your dog asks for food, pet them and spend time with them.
- Feed your pet frequently in smaller amounts instead of all-in-one go.
- Fill up your dog’s water bowls and give them fresh water every now and then instead of offering food every time.
- Avoid leaving food out when you are away.
- Go walking with your dog two-three times a day.