How to Help Dog Lose Weight

If you are wondering how to help a dog lose weight, there are a variety of options out there for your pooch. When most people think about helping their dog lose weight, they think about buying them some food that they can chase after the food will eventually stop coming. It is a comforting thought, but these thoughts are totally false. Your dog deserves as much help losing weight as anyone else. You just need to be creative in how you go about helping him.

Everyone has been guilty of this at one time or another. You go to the grocery store and buy a carton of milk, thinking you are helping yourself by giving your dog a drink. Instead, you are setting up your dog for disaster. Milk can add a lot of extra weight to your dog, and many people will eat more because of it than they normally would.

The same holds true when it comes to helping your dog lose weight. When you buy a bag of treats and a bunch of empty calories, you are setting your pet up for failure. Try to limit your treats to once per day, and fill up your kibble with high quality canned food. When you do this, your dog will realize that he is actually supposed to be eating something other than dry kibble and bagged carrots. You will also help your dog avoid a lot of extra weight by making him take his dinner outside instead of on your arm or in your car.

There are plenty of books and DVDs available to help dog owners know how to help a dog lose weight. By reading these books and watching videos, you can teach your dog the right way to eat. Make sure you include plenty of fresh, healthy, nutritious foods in his diet, and don't forget the treats. It is very important to keep the dog's mouth and nose clean as much as possible. This helps him avoid foul odors that could signal other health problems.

If you have an obedience class at your dog park, you may want to bring your dog along with you. Teaching him basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down will help him master them and become more comfortable around people and other dogs. As well, your furry friend will learn how to control his bladder and bowels, which will go a long way toward helping him lose weight. If you take him regularly to the park, your dog can socialize with other dogs, thus increasing his acceptance of human companionship and making him less likely to develop behavioral problems.

You can also help dog owners understand how to help a dog lose weight by making him see how much exercise is beneficial to his health. Exercise is especially important for older dogs because it helps them to burn up excess energy, strengthens their muscles, and keeps their joints supple. Walking your dog every day or twice a day for at least half an hour is ideal. Don't over-exert your dog by running or lifting weights. Doing so can strain his bones and joints and even result in injury. Instead, give your dog moderate exercise on a leash.

The final piece of information on how to help a dog lose weight is related to dietary changes. Many dog owners are unaware that certain foods can make their furry friends gain weight. Instead of giving him table scraps or bathing him in the dog shampoo, switch to feeding him commercial pet foods that are designed to provide the proper nutrients for him.

Although the search for answers to the question how to help a dog lose weight can be frustrating, many dog owners find the help they need by talking to other dog owners about their pet's dietary needs. Asking the right questions and making reasonable dietary changes can make all the difference in how well your dog handles his weight problem. Good luck!