Did you know that more than half of all dogs are over weight? Recognizing the signs is the first step in addressing this common issue. It’s estimated that more than half of all dogs carry excess weight, and understanding whether your canine companion is one of them is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Learn about how to know if your dog is overweight, how to maintain a healthy weight, and safe dog weight loss tips below.

Is your dog overweight? Recognizing the signs

So what’s step number one? First, you need to know if you dog is actually overweight.

They have visible fat. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard. If you can’t feel them, or if there’s a thick layer of fat covering them, it’s a sign your dog may be overweight.

They do not have a waistline. Dogs should have a discernible waistline when viewed from above. If your dog looks more like a rectangle than an hourglass, they may have a weight problem.

They have a hard time moving. If your dog struggles with physical activities like climbing stairs, getting up, or walking, it could be due to excess weight. If your dog has a hard time moving around, we suggest our Muscle & Joint Support-S™ for Pet Strength & Mobility. This meticulously crafted supplement is highly rated to help by using a unique, therapeutic blend of natural and herbal ingredients devil’s claw, spirulina, yucca, and glucosamine sulphate in a concentrated capsule. Muscle & Joint Support-S™ provides support for healthy muscles, joints, and bones, as well as normal liver functioning.

Your dog is lethargy. Overweight dogs are often less active and energetic than their healthier counterparts.

Since a “healthy weight” for your dog will vary depending on their age and bread, we recommend you check out the American Kennel Club’s website for more information on what’s healthy for your dog on their weight by breed chart here.

The importance of maintaining a healthy weight

But why? Why is it important for your dog to be healthy? Pets & dogs are very similar to humans. It’s not healthy to be over weight, in fact pets and dogs can suffer from a lot of the same consequences as us pet lovers. You need to motivate each other everyday!

Here are just a few of the reasons it’s important for your dog to stay in shape:

Longer lifespan. Studies have shown that dogs kept at a healthy weight tend to live longer than overweight dogs, just like humans.

Improved mobility. A healthy weight reduces the strain on your dog’s joints and muscles, making them more agile and mobile. Your dog wants to play with you and other dogs. It’s hard or can be extremely tiring for them especially if they’re overweight.

Reduces risk of disease. Probably the most important one. Obesity in dogs is linked to a higher risk of various health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. To not have these troubles later in life, it is important to get them on the right track now.

Overall enhanced quality of life. Dogs at a healthy weight are happier, more active, and enjoy a better quality of life.

– You can try supplementing this with our Natural Moves™ for Pets for Bowel Regularity and Digestive Support™ for Cat & Dog Digestion. These 100% natural organic supplements as a pair work to help your pet with digestive issues.

Expert-Backed: Safe dog weight loss tips

1. Consult Your Veterinarian: Start by consulting your vet. They can assess your dog’s overall health and provide tailored guidance for weight loss. They are also a great source for information as they see many pets daily.
2. Control Portions: Measure your dog’s food portions precisely, following the recommended guidelines on the packaging. Avoid giving in to those begging eyes. Dogs love to eat, but it’s your responsibility to follow the recommended portions or stick to what the vet says.
3. Choose a Weight Management Diet: Some commercial dog foods are formulated specifically for weight loss. Your vet can recommend the best option for your pet.
4. Treats in Moderation: Limit treats and use healthy alternatives like carrot sticks or apple slices for rewards. Check out this great blog by Kimberly on healthy treat alternatives here!
5. Increase Exercise: Engage in regular, moderate exercise. Three top activities for weight loss are brisk walks, swimming, and interactive play. We’ll talk more about this below.
6. Modify Walking Routine: To promote weight loss, change your walking routine by adding intervals of faster-paced walking or incorporating uphill terrain.
7. Monitor Progress: Keep a record of your dog’s weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly.

Safe dog weight loss tips: The top three exercises!

1. Brisk Walks: Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking each day. Gradually increase the duration as your dog’s stamina improves.
2. Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that’s easy on joints. It’s excellent for dogs with mobility issues due to excess weight. Try ComfyPet Pain Relief™ for Minor Aches & Pain. This safe, non-addictive natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients selected to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains in cats and dogs. It can also be used regularly to temporarily reduce minor discomfort of the muscles and joints as a result of old age or injury, or as needed for relief.
3. Interactive Play: Engage your dog in interactive play sessions, like fetch or tug-of-war. These activities burn calories and provide mental stimulation. To have your dog pulling it’s hardest check out some of our remedies that have muscle & joint support.

Thanks for reading!

We appreciate you took the time to check out our informative blog. Whether you choose our products our not, we hope you have learned something!

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