We’ve all experienced those moments when we’ve indulged a little too much, and our clothes start to feel snug – and our pets can overindulge too!
As responsible pet owners, it’s vital to help our dogs manage their weight for long-term health and happiness. In fact, a recent report reveals that 50% of dogs are overweight, yet 77% of owners believe their dog is at a healthy weight—clearly, it’s time to take notice and start making nutritional and lifestyle changes.
Taking action now to manage your dogs weight can make a world of difference, helping them live a longer, healthier life, and allowing you to enjoy many more years of fun activities together.
At Aldgate Vet, our expert weight management team, has compiled their best dog dieting tips to help your pooch reach a healthy weight. We’ve also included practical advice on maintaining that weight, ensuring your dog stays happy and thriving for years to come – take a look.
Why do dogs put on weight?
There are many reasons why dogs can gain weight, much like humans, but overfeeding is often one of the main culprits. It can be tricky to know the right portion size for your dog, especially since it varies between breeds. Many owners unintentionally give their dogs larger portions than needed, and if this becomes a consistent habit, the weight can slowly start to creep up. Alternatively, some owners may get the portion size right but fall prey to those pleading eyes and go overboard with treats, leading to an excess of calories.
Lack of exercise is another key factor. Some dogs, especially those suited to more sedentary lifestyles like Chihuahuas, Maltese, or French Bulldogs, require extra effort to stay active and burn off those calories.
Certain breeds, such as Labradors, Beagles, and Dachshunds, are genetically predisposed to weight gain, so it’s important to monitor their weight regularly to ensure they stay within a healthy range. Health issues can also play a significant role in weight management. Hypothyroidism, for example, can make it much harder for dogs to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, slowing down metabolism. If you suspect your dog may be dealing with hypothyroidism, it’s crucial to consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Thankfully, hypothyroidism can be managed with medication and dietary adjustments, helping your dog maintain a healthy weight.
The dangers of dogs being overweight
Carrying excess weight can pose serious health risks for dogs, just as it does for humans.
Some of the dangers can include:
- Joint problems: Extra weight puts added stress on your dog’s joints, increasing the risk of arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other musculoskeletal issues. This can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life.
- Heart disease: Just like in humans, obesity can strain your dog’s heart and circulatory system, making them more prone to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
- Reduced lifespan: Overweight dogs often face a shorter lifespan due to the strain excess weight places on their bodies.
- Respiratory issues: Excess weight can lead to breathing difficulties, making it harder for your dog to exercise and enjoy normal activities.
- Liver disease: Fatty deposits can accumulate in the liver, impairing its function and leading to further health complications.
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for your dog’s overall well-being, as they rely on you for the right nutrition and care. By managing their weight, you can stay on top of any issues before they occur.
Why does it seem like my dog is always hungry?
Although your dog may seem constantly hungry, it’s more likely that they’re simply an opportunistic eater, taking advantage of any food they can get. Their natural instinct is to eat whenever food is available, even if they don’t actually need it.
However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a dog’s diet might lack sufficient fiber or essential nutrients, causing them to beg or scavenge for food. If you’re concerned about your dog’s nutritional needs, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet at your next appointment for advice on what might be missing from their diet.
We all know how hard it can be to resist those pleading eyes, and it’s tempting to give in with a treat or two. But remember, just because they look hungry doesn’t mean they actually are. Focus on providing a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, so they can stay healthy and satisfied.
Dog weight loss tips
Before starting any weight loss programme or dog diet, it’s important to consult an expert first to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need, the right amount of calories, and they will also be prescribed activity guidance. There can be conflicting information online for dog diets for effective weight loss, so it’s important to speak to the experts first.
At our weight clinics, our RVNs will assess your dog’s BCS (Body Condition Score), a visual evaluation of your dog’s body shape. This assessment will help track their progress throughout their weight loss journey.
Keep a diary log of what they eat
To get started, we recommend tracking your dog’s food intake, including both meals and treats. While it might be tempting to downplay certain feeding habits when discussing your dog’s diet with your RVN, it’s essential to be honest and transparent. This will help them implement the best changes for long-term success.
Make sure to log everything your dog eats, including treats and any food from your own plate, to provide an accurate picture of their diet.
You might also consider switching to a weight management food, such as Virbac’s weight loss formula. Your RVN or vet can guide you on the appropriate portion sizes to ensure your dog gets the right nutrition while working toward their weight goals.
Giving them treats
The number of treats your dog should have depends on their size, age, activity level, and overall health. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their total daily caloric intake and using treats such as raw carrot can be a tasty but healthier option.
Get them out and about
We know sometimes it can be hard to pluck up the motivation to get up and be active, but for both us and our pets, exercise is key to burning off that energy and extra calories.
We recommend starting with low-intensity exercise, such as a simple walk around the block, to help your dog get used to moving more. Gradually, they’ll be able to walk further and more comfortably, and the weight loss should become noticeable, as long as their diet is on track too.
Once your dog is ready, you can introduce more intense activities—just remember, if you make it fun, they may not even realise it’s part of their weight loss plan! Take them to the beach for the day, or encourage them to take a swim. These activities are enjoyable for them while helping them stay active.
It’s important to be mindful of other factors to avoid overexerting your dog. For example, on hot days, outdoor exercise may not be safe due to the risk of heatstroke, and some dogs may have underlying medical conditions that require closer monitoring during exercise. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to understand what’s appropriate for your dog and to ensure they stay safe and active.
Consider dog hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy offers a range of health benefits and can be a fantastic aid for weight loss. At Aldgate, we’re proud to offer hydrotherapy treatments that support post-surgery recovery, injury rehabilitation, increased mobility, as well as weight management.
This fun and effective form of exercise helps dogs stay active, develop their strength, and burn calories, all while minimising stress on their joints. It’s a great way to improve overall fitness and support weight loss in a safe, low-impact environment.
How long will it take to shed the pounds?
The time it takes for a dog to start losing weight can vary depending on factors such as how much weight they need to lose, their breed, current health, age, and the weight loss methods being used. Every dog is unique, so the process may differ, but with a consistent, tailored approach, you can achieve gradual and sustainable results.
For safe and sustainable weight loss, we typically recommend a healthy rate of 1-2% of body weight per week.
Merlo, one of our amazing weight clinic success stories at Aldgate, lost an incredible 9.65kg in just 24 weeks!
Read on to learn more about how Merlo shed those extra pounds and achieved his weight loss goal!
What to do if you feel it isn’t working?
If you’ve tried various methods to improve your dog’s weight without success, reach out to our expert team today. We’ll work with you to identify areas for improvement and create a plan to help your dog live a happier, healthier, and longer life.
