Obesity isn’t only a problem for people; many dogs are also overweight. Just as obesity leads to health problems in humans, it can cause diabetes, cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, and a decreased life expectancy in canines. To keep your beloved pup at a healthy weight, Tender Care Animal Hospital, an animal clinic in Praire du Chien, WI, shares a few tips.  

How to Prevent Canine Obesity

1. Watch Their Diet 

Your dog’s food likely isn’t the issue contributing to their weight. Often, it’s the amount they consume that causes obesity. However, consult your local animal clinic if you need dietary advice. If your pet is looking a little too plump, feed them less often or reduce the amount of food you put in their bowl. Try switching to scheduled feedings to limit their intake.

If you notice your dog acting hungry when you switch them to a lighter diet, give them steamed green beans. Green beans are completely safe for dogs and are low calorie. Avoid feeding them table scraps as well, even if they beg.

2. Exercise Them Regularly 

Just as people benefit from regular exercise, so do dogs. Keeping them active improves their physical and mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. To help your dog lose weight, aim for at least 20 minutes of brisk walking per day. Try to keep a fast pace throughout the walk to get their heart rate up and burn more calories. 

3. Know Their Ideal Weight or Size

Do you know what your dog’s ideal weight should be? Visit an animal clinic, and the vet will tell you a healthy weight for their size. However, a quick way to judge if they might be too heavy is to feel their ribs. You should be able to easily feel ribs, but they shouldn’t necessarily be visible. Your dog should also have a fairly defined waist at a healthy weight. 

If you’re trying to determine the best way to get your dog to lose weight, visit an animal clinic. At Tender Care Animal Hospital in Prairie du Chien, they’ve been offering comprehensive, compassionate care to animals for over 15 years. Additionally, they are a fear-free animal hospital, which means they strive to make every pet that visits them feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 326-7101 or visit them online.