Obesity in dogs is becoming increasingly common today and can lead to serious health problems. Excess weight may cause diabetes, joint issues, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan. For this reason, it is very important to keep your dog’s weight under control and help them lose weight when necessary. In this guide, we will cover effective nutrition strategies and exercise plans for managing weight in dogs.

 

1. How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight
You can determine whether your dog is above its ideal weight by checking for these signs:

• Difficulty feeling the ribs

• No visible waistline

• Gets tired quickly when walking or running

• Rapid breathing with little effort

• Veterinarian assigns a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6/9 or higher

If one or more of these apply, your dog may be overweight.

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2. How to Adjust the Feeding Plan

a. Portion Control
Measure daily food portions in grams as recommended by your vet. Guesswork feeding is one of the most common causes of obesity.

b. Low-Calorie Dog Food
Weight-control diets have reduced calories and higher fiber, which help dogs feel fuller.

c. Limit Treats
Small amounts can be given after exercise, but they must be counted in the daily calorie total.

d. Home-Prepared Diets
Boiled vegetables (zucchini, carrot, broccoli) can help with weight management but should always be given under veterinary supervision.

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3. Creating an Exercise Plan

a. Walks: Aim for 30–60 minutes of walking daily. Brisk walks burn more calories.
b. Stairs: Climbing stairs at home or in the yard is a good cardio workout.
c. Games: Fetch, tug-of-war, and puzzle games stimulate both mind and body.
d. Swimming: A low-impact but effective exercise, especially for dogs with joint problems.

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4. How to Track Weight Loss

• Weigh your dog weekly at the same time and on an empty stomach.

• Observe body shape: is the waist becoming more defined? Can you feel the ribs more easily?

• Schedule monthly checkups with your vet.

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5. How Fast Should Weight Loss Happen?
Rapid weight loss is dangerous. A safe goal is losing about 1–2% of body weight per week. This requires patience, consistency, and discipline.

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6. Motivation Tips

• Keep a daily log of meals and exercise.

• Take progress photos.

• Ensure all family members follow the plan consistently—sneaking treats can sabotage the process.

Conclusion: Healthy Weight, Happy Dog

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and veterinary guidance, you can help your dog reach and maintain its ideal weight. Remember, every extra kilo may shorten your dog’s lifespan.