Humans aren’t the
only creatures that gain weight during the holidays. During the season when
overindulging overrides counting calories, even our pets can put on a few extra
pounds.
As with humans, a
dog gains weight when he consumes a greater amount of energy than he expends. Also
in line with humans, an overweight dog faces the
same basic health risks that include heart disease, weak joints from added
weight, respiratory ailments, diabetes, hormone imbalances and a shorter life
span.
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| Photo: Cally Toong Evanger's dog foods can help your pet shed unwanted pounds! |
To
help you dog lose weight, follow a few simple suggestions for a healthy
lifestyle and diet.
Dog
Diets. Since your
dog didn't become overweight overnight, keep in mind that he won't return to
his ideal weight overnight either. Slimming down takes time. Changing your dog’s
diet and reducing calorie intake will help your dog reach his optimal weight. Be
sure to read the labels on your dog’s dry food or canned food. If it contains low
quality ingredients, then you should consider another food or brand. High
quality, high protein food keeps your dog feeling full longer, while providing
more nutrition to the body without storing excess fat. Naturally, the amount of
food to feed your dog will vary with size, age and physical issues. Feed your
dog small meals several times throughout the day and make sure you don't feed
too many dog treats. Another trick we like to use is replacing 1/3 of your dog’s
usual meal with Evanger’s Vegetarian
Dinner. It’s low in calories, easy on the stomach, and provides all the
nutrients of a complete meal with nutrient dense vegetables!
Dog
Exercise. All
dogs require some level of exercise to stay healthy and avoid gaining weight.
Any attention you give your dog–even while exercising him–makes your dog feel
loved. It can be as simple as going for a walk and playing fetch to more
rigorous activities like agility training and swimming. Man-trailing, where
your dog searches for a person, is a great way to provide him with an all-round
exercise program. It also strengthens your relationship with your dog while
providing you with good exercise as well. As your dog loses weight and regains
fitness, you’ll notice how his energy increases.
Prevention. It’s always a good idea to
consult with your vet before beginning a slimming program based on diet and
exercise. Just keep in mind that the best plan is to prevent your dog from
gaining excessive weight in the first place! Remember that our nutrition team
at Evanger’s is an excellent resource to discuss your pet’s unique needs. We
can recommend a custom diet plan specific to your pet. Give us a call at
(847) 537-0102.
To download a convenient food log to track your progress, visit the Evanger's #GetPetFit Challenge page.
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