Obesity in Dogs: Treat Tips to lower your Pet’s Weight
Obesity is a problem for canines just as it is a problem for humans. A dog that is overweight is at risk for many other health problems, which will worsen the older he gets. Some adoring dog owners feed their pets “treats” that consist of the same foods that make us overweight. In other cases, the extra pounds could stem from a pure lack of exercise. Regardless, there are things you can do to help your dog lower his weight without completely eliminating his beloved biscuits. Make your Dog Earn His Treats There is nothing wrong with offering your pet the occasional surprise treat. However, do this too often and you might be contributing to the problem. Instead, make him earn his treats. If he has put on a few pounds, try rigorous physical activity as his “task” before getting a treat. Take a walk or jog with your pet, or play a fast paced game of fetch. Even indoor fetch down a hallway or in an open room can get his heart pumping and burn some calories. Once he has tired out, then he can have his treat. Try to avoid treating after every session so he will actually begin to lose weight rather than only maintaining it. The Fat Free Treat Alternative Consider replacing your dog’s treats with ice. Water is good for your pet and won’t cause him to gain weight. Many dogs enjoy throwing ice cubes around or simply gnawing on them to work out frustration and energy. You won’t have to worry about crumbs, just a little bit of melted ice that will dry without staining. Switch a few of his treats out with this fat free alternative. He might even enjoy the refreshing variety. Evaluate your Dog’s Cookie Jar Maybe you have been giving him the same type of treats for a long time. He likes them so much, why switch? If he has a weight problem, you might want to reevaluate the type of treat you are giving him. There might be a healthier alternative that he will love just as much. You could also try selecting a couple different varieties to keep it interesting. Another helpful tip for reducing your dog’s treat intake is to cut the treats down in size. Medium to large sized biscuits can easily be broken into half or even thirds. Your bag of dog treats will go much farther this way, and he will still be able to enjoy his favorite flavors, only in moderation. One of the most beneficial things you can do for your pet is to get him exercised. A lack of physical activity can affect your dog’s behavior as well as his health. When you start taking regular walks or enjoying play sessions at the dog park each week, and combine that with treat modifications, your canine will begin to shed pounds quickly. Keep your pet healthy and you will get many years of love, companionship and bonding to spend with your dog.