February 28, 2012
Posted in How to, Pet Food, Pet Health

When you bring your dog to the vet, one of the things that will be checked is its weight. No matter the breed, all signs of dog obesity are the same. Obviously the number on the scale says a lot, but you will also notice that your vet feels around on the animal's body to get a sense of its health. If your vet determines that your dog is overweight, you will learn ways to help the canine shed the pounds.

The vet will check to be sure that he or she can feel the pet's ribs and will look for an hourglass shape when the dog is viewed from above. Dogs that are a healthy weight will also show a dramatic curve from their chest into their groin when viewed from the side. If your vet can hardly feel your pet's ribs and notices none of these healthy curves, a weight loss plan will likely be recommended.

Just like in humans, exercise and diet are the key lifestyle factors to focus on if your pet is overweight. You can start by making sure your dog is eating reasonable portions of its pet food. If it grazes throughout the day, consider switching to scheduled meals. You also may want to try switching its food to a weight loss formula like Wellness CORE Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food or Now! Grain Free Dry Dog Food.

Owners also need to pay attention to sources of calories other than food. It is best to cut out all human food from your pet's diet, since this food generally is high in fat and sugar that your dog's body does not need. You also need to be careful of the dog treats you give your pooch. You might want to switch to Greenies Lite Dental Chews so it can continue to have fresh breath and clean teeth.

You will also need to up the ante on your pet's exercise routine. Investing in some new pet products like the Booda Tail-Spin Flyer or the Wing-A-Ball may get your pooch excited to play fetch and may make it easier for you to make time for Fido's fitness. The more active your dog is, the higher its metabolism stays even when it is resting.

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