5 Ways to Help Your Plump Pup Drop Pounds

More than 50% of the dogs in the U.S. could be classified as overweight. Although we all love our pups and tend to spoil them, a sedentary and inactive lifestyle full of rich sugary treats isn’t the best choice for our dogs.

If your vet has noticed that your dog has put on a few pounds since their last visit, it might be time to make some changes. Although an extra pound here and there probably isn’t going to be detrimental to their overall health, having a dog that is obese could mean less time with your furry companion.

A healthy and active lifestyle paired with low calorie dog food is just one way that you can help manage your dog’s weight. A slim and trim pup is a happy pup. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can help your plump pup to drop a few pounds and get the most out of life.

Low Calorie Food

The odds are that your dog eats more than it needs to stay happy and healthy. Owners tend to go a bit overboard on serving sizes in an effort to keep their dogs happy. The downside of this overindulgence is that your dog is taking in too many calories without enough activity to burn them off.

The most effective way to start helping your dog to lose weight is to change their diet. A healthy low-calorie dog food without a bunch of fillers can give your dog the nutrition that they need without all the calories. 

Increase Water

If your dog isn’t getting enough water, they may eat extra food to compensate. It’s important to always have a large full water dish ready for your pup to sip during the day. Your dog’s water dish should be roughly double the size of their food dish. An automatic water feeder is a good choice to help you keep the dish full. 

If you are trying to encourage your dog to drink more, you can try a dog fountain. The constant flow of the water will intrigue dogs into investigating the source and they will often take a sip while they are playing.

Extra Exercise

Humans can be hard pressed to maintain a healthy exercise routine, but dogs love to get out there and work up a good pant. Give your dog plenty of opportunities through the day to not only walk, but to run. The more activity your dog gets, the easier they can burn calories. It’s fun for you and your dog to take a trip to the park for some canine shenanigans.

Cut Down On Treats

If you are training your dog, you may be using treats as motivation. Although this is a common practice when your dog is young, the treat habit can continue into your dog’s adulthood. Try cutting back on the treats and make the reward for good behavior a good cuddle or scratch instead. You can also switch over to a lower calorie dog treat that will help them stay healthier and happier.

Vet Check

If you notice that your dog is starting to look a bit plump, it’s a good idea to have a quick vet visit. Most likely your dog’s weight gain is normal, but there are some health conditions that could be making your dog bulk up.

We all love our dogs and want them to have the best life possible. If you have a dog that has put on a few pounds, follow some of these tips to help them slim down and get healthy.