If your four-legged friend is a little on the chunky side, he’s not alone. Veterinarians with the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimate that 56 percent of dogs are overweight, which can cause serious health problems. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop chronic conditions like diabetes and joint disease. They may also be less energetic and have shorter lives. To help your dog slim down, keep these weight control tips in mind. 

How to Keep Your Dog Slim

1. Feed Multiple Times Per Day

Feeding your dog once a day could affect their metabolism. Instead, feed him/her multiple small meals at regular intervals to control how much your dog eats to encourage a shift in metabolic food processing.

2. Ask Your Veterinarian About Portions

Portion size is essential to controlling your dog’s weight. Talk with the experts at your animal clinic to determine how much food your dog needs, and be precise when feeding. Some veterinarians even recommend weighing food to ensure you serve the correct amount. If your dog has a lot of weight to lose, you may also shift to a prescription weight-loss diet, available at your veterinary clinic. 

3. Limit Treats

It’s fun to reward a pooch with a treat when he does a trick, but it’s easy to go overboard. Loading up on treats, including table scraps without accounting for them in your dog’s daily calorie intake can contribute to obesity. Pay close attention to treat calorie contents, and limit snacks to 10 percent of the overall calories for the day. 

4. Exercise

Much like humans, dogs lose more weight when they exercise. Lengthening your daily walks by 50% (going for a 15-minute stroll instead of 10 minutes, for instance) until you reach 20-30 minutes per walk will make a big difference. A daily game of fetch for 15-20 minutes as well can help burn calories and bring your dog closer to a healthy weight before your next pet wellness exam.

5. Get to the Root of the Problem 

Some dogs may have trouble losing weight even with a healthy diet and exercise. If your dog isn't dropping pounds, visit the animal hospital to rule out any underlying conditions, like hypothyroidism or osteoarthritis, that can cause obesity. 

If your dog is overweight and you want expert advice on how to change that, speak with a veterinarian at Thompson Animal Medical Clinic for help. This accredited veterinary clinic provides exceptional medical services for dogs, cats, and small exotic animals including turtles, iguanas, and snakes in the LaCrosse, WI, area. To get your pet on track for a long and healthy life, call us at (608) 788-8820 to make an appointment, or learn more about our veterinary and pet boarding services on our website.