Many fur parents shower their pets with love through treats and snacks, sometimes too much, and often the wrong types. Sometimes we overfeed them during their meals because we’re unsure how much to feed or are carried away by their adorable, begging eyes. And if this continues for a long time, your pet may become overweight and risk developing numerous health issues.
Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can help keep your pet’s weight in the healthy range.
5 Tips Keep to Your Pet’s Weight Healthy
If you believe giving your pet too many snacks, treats, and foods is the best way to make them happy, think again. When your pet becomes overweight and suffers the repercussions of developing various health issues, this will cause them struggles and cost you large amounts of money in their treatment. This is where the importance of maintaining a healthy weight comes in.
Here are five ways to do so:
1. Skip the Table Scraps
Not all human foods are safe for canines, so regularly feeding your pup with table scraps can be a dangerous and worst thing to do. High-quality dog foods are nutritionally balanced, so it’s the most recommended diet to feed them. Feeding them too much human food may cause nutritional deficiencies. If you like to share your food with them, make it an occasional treat and consider the healthier options.
2. Adjust Seasonally
If your canine is more active during the summer and stuck inside the home every winter, change the quantity of food you feed them accordingly. If your pet is less active in the winter season and you do not balance their meal portions, they may put on more weight, so it’s important to adjust their diet depending on their active season.
If it’s winter and you’re worried about your inactive pet dog, there’s usually nothing to be afraid of. But if you suspect an unknown underlying problem, take them to a veterinary diagnostic lab to be diagnosed and treated immediately.
3. Weigh Them Regularly
When you take your dog to facilities like Westside Animal Emergency Clinic for regular vaccinations and parasite prevention, don’t forget to weigh them. Keep a record of their weight each time you do so you can check if they are gaining or losing weight. Doing so can prevent minor issues from becoming severe. Do not hesitate to ask the veterinarian if you’re unsure of your pet’s supposed weight. They can give you tailored advice and suggest tailored adjustments to maintain a healthy range for your pet.
4. Keep Them Active
Keeping your companion active is as crucial as their nutritional diet. Regular walking is the easiest activity to keep your dog active. It helps exercise their body, boost muscle tone, reduce boredom, and provide mental stimulation. Other than walks, try jogging and playing fetch with their favorite balls. You may also schedule regular visits to the dog park or have fun in your backyard.
Always observe moderation when doing activities with your pet. If your dog accidentally fractures one of their legs during an exercise, immediately stop the activity and take them to an emergency vet to address the situation.
5. Improve Their Environment
A boring environment can cause your pet to become inactive and put on weight. Canines and felines are clever animals that enjoy food puzzle toys, treat balls, and chew toys that can keep them moving and stretching to reinforce their muscles and maintain a healthy weight.
To End
Dogs on a diet might still beg for food even after you feed them. Try petting them, giving them affection, or taking them for a walk instead of feeding them more. Doing so can help remove their concept of getting attention by asking for food, and your love may satisfy their cravings. If this doesn’t work, divide your pet’s allotted daily food into smaller portions. This might help keep them satisfied than feeding their meals in one go.
