Weight Loss Tips for Dogs

When viewed from above, a dog at a healthy weight will have a streamlined shape with a slight curve inwards from below the ribs to the hips. The ribs should not protrude but should be easy to see and feel. If your dog lacks curves, or worse curves outwards, it's time you put it on a weight-loss plan. Dogs don't need will power to lose weight. They just need an owner willing to monitor their food and exercise.

  1. Seek Veterinarian Help

    • Before starting a weight loss plan for your dog, schedule an appointment with your veterinaian. Diseases such as underactive thyroid, Cushing's and diabetes can make dogs obese. If a disease is the problem, feeding less and exercising it more will not help your dog lose weight; it may even worsen its health. A veterinarian can perform blood tests and a physical and can compare the dog's current weight with past visits. If the veterinarian feels that diet and exercise are the solution, follow her advice on weight loss and exercise goals. She may recommend a prescription food, how much to feed your dog and an exercise routine. If your dog does have a disease contributing to its weight problem, treatment combined with diet and exercise (per your veterinarian's advice) may help. Ask if you can bring your dog in for regular weigh-ins to monitor its progress.

    Feed the Right Amount

    • Do not fill your dog's food bowl for the day and leave it out. Instead, feed your dog twice a day, half in the morning and half in the evening and only as much as it will eat at each feeding. Exactly how much food your dog should get depends on its ideal weight and current activity level. The dog food bag is not the best place to find out how much food to give your dog each day. Drs. Foster and Smith Veterinary &Aquatic Services Department report that food amounts on dog food bags vary greatly and do not account for a dog's ideal weight and energy needs. In the end, a trial-and-error process is the best way to determine how much to feed your dog each day. To start, obese dogs need less food, Feed your dog however much your veterinarian recommends. At the next weigh-in you may decide whether to adjust the amount. One hint that you may be feeding too much is if your dog leaves food in the bowl and walks away.

    Exercise Your Dog

    • Exercise your dog every day. Obese dogs need a gentle introduction to exercise. Start with short walks and gradually increase the activity level of each session. Once your dog is more fit, get it to chase balls or sticks or go swimming, which is easy on the joints of arthritic dogs. Take your dog with you when you go jogging or hiking. If your dog gets along well with others, take it to a dog park or drop it off at a doggy day care center where it can get more exercise.