Weight struggles are not strictly a human problem. Dogs and cats can become overweight just as easily as their human companions. At times the same reasons even cause weight gain for humans and their furry friends.
Why do pets gain weight?
There are numerous reasons for pet weight gain. A few, but certainly not all, of the reasons, are as follows:
Lack of exercise
Most pet owners work. Many raise children and have other responsibilities pulling them away from their furry friends. A little shift in focus can help the relationship, and waist-lines, of both a dog and his/her human! Scheduling a daily walk can relieve anxiety, help with socialization and help cement the owner/pet bond.
Depression/anxiety problems
Just as humans can face mental health problems, dogs can too. Many dogs face separation anxiety and may over or under eat because of it. Medications and/or changes in routine can help to curb this troublesome problem.
Physical health problems
It is important to rule out physical causes of weight gain. A checkup with the veterinarian will help to rule out physical ailments that may be contributing to weight issues.
Boredom
Why? Because dogs feel boredom just as much as humans. Lack of outside time and lack of stimulation can lead to boredom eating just as it does in humans. Especially when weather conditions are poor.
The good news is that many of these problems can be managed with similar methods humans use for weight management. The best overweight dog diet plan will include the following:
Diet management
Feeding schedules are the easiest way to know how many calories your pet is taking in on a daily basis. Many dogs self-feed rather than have scheduled feeding times. It’s a hard habit to change but it can make such a difference in the health and behavior of your dog. Excess eating can be cut down a little at a time by replacing traditional “treats” with low-calorie alternatives.
Canned green beans can be a great tool to help get an overweight dog back on track. They are salty and filling. The dog feels satisfied but hasn’t taken in an extra helping of caloric food.
Appropriate daily exercise
Schedule a daily walk. Even a short walk or play session with the dog is good for everyone.
Eliminate table scraps
This is a hard habit to break but it’s necessary. Dogs were not designed to eat everything humans eat. Well-made dog food has all the nutrition a dog needs. Table scraps can create excess bloating, gas and overall discomfort. It’s not kind to have Fido finish everything the humans don’t eat.
Have the entire human family on-board for the plan
Everyone who cares for the dog needs to know what is and what is not on the diet plan. Otherwise, it will not work. Communicate with anyone who has access to the dog that the excess weight is a problem.
Dangers of Overweight Pets – Five Weight Loss Tips
This will guide through Five Tips to Help Your Dog or Cat Lose Weight.
We all want our pets to be happy. We often tell ourselves that a well-fed cat is a happy cat.
They don’t worry about their appearance as humans do.
And it’s so easy to give in to those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table! But this is not a laughing matter.
An obese pet won’t be a happy pet once the extra weight causes joint pain, arthritis, shortness of breath, diabetes, and an inability to clean himself.
A 14-year study showed that dogs kept at a thinner weight live an average of two years longer than overweight dogs.
While it’s true that some pets are predisposed to weight gain.
Pet owners owe it to their pets to keep them healthy and try to prevent diseases caused by obesity.
Here are some things to consider if you need to put your dog or cat on a diet:
Commercial Pet Food Isn’t Always as it Seems
Chances are you are feeding a diet of kibble only.
Most varieties of kibble, even the prescription “weight management” brands, are too high in carbohydrates to promote weight loss.
Dogs and cats are carnivores. And they were designed to digest high amounts of protein and small amounts of carbohydrates.
When it comes to dry vs. canned food, canned is the better choice all around.
Canned food is most often higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, much higher in moisture, and safer due to its air-tight packaging.
If you insist on feeding kibble, the diet should consist of at least half kibble and half canned.
Also, grain-free kibble is healthier and more appropriate for carnivores.
A bag of Nature’s Variety Instinct grain-free kibble for dogs is comprised of about 46% protein and 20% carbohydrates, compared to Purina Pro Plan’s Chicken & Rice Weight Management for dogs, which contains 28% protein and 48% carbohydrates.
Stop Free-Feeding
If you use an auto-feeder, get rid of it and stop free feeding.
Pets will overeat due to boredom or to make sure the other pets don’t eat their share.
Figure out how much food your pet needs daily and feed it over two or three meals.
Exercise Your Pets
Exercise is essential for dogs, and letting them out in the backyard a few times a day does not count.
Do you think your waistline would grow if you never left your own property?
Think how bored and lazy you would feel!
Do your dog and yourself a favor, and make sure he gets at least two, 20-minute walks per day.
A brisk pace is more effective than a stroll, but a slow walk is better than nothing.
Get your cat a tree to climb, some catnip mice, and taunt them with a laser pointer.
Hide little treats and catnip sprinkles around the house for them to hunt and discover.
Healthy Pet Treats
End the mindset that a couple treats a day don’t add up. Giving treats moderately is OK.
Butt make sure they are healthy. Grain-free, as well as natural and organic treats, are readily available.
Some human foods are great too, like pieces of turkey, cooked eggs (an excellent source of protein), plain yogurt.
And baby carrots. But, make sure you research what foods are harmful to pets.
Another tip regarding treats: never give a treat for no reason or to distract from undesired behavior.
The only time you should ever give a treat is when your pet is doing something you approve of.
Like sitting on command or obeying an order to stop jumping up on the couch.
This will ensure some mental stimulation and bonding time while rewarding good behavior.
If the kids (or you) can’t resist handing the dog some scraps under the dinner table. Don’t let the dog into the kitchen during meal times.
Or set a rule that the dog is only allowed a small amount of Sundays.
But use common sense: no fatty treats like pizza, bread, or cake. A small piece of meat will suffice. It’s all cake for him!
Get Honest About Your Pets’ Health
Don’t blame your pet’s weight gain on being spayed or neutered, and don’t use that as an excuse not to get them fixed.
Your pet depends on you to keep her as healthy as you can with diet, exercise and veterinarian care.
Pets are a big responsibility and they aren’t cheap – don’t cut corners.
You’ll either pay up front for preventative health care and quality food. Or you’ll pay in the end with expensive surgeries and medicine.