Preventing obesity can extend your pet’s lifespan. Obesity is the root cause of numerous health problems with, in some cases, irreversible complications.

Determining your pet’s ideal weight is not easy. Your veterinarian will be able to help you with this because, despite the established standards of size and ideal weight for each breed of dog or cat, there will be variations characteristic to each animal.

Genetics is a determining factor of your pet’s tendency to gain weight. However, it is far from being the only element to consider.

Biologically, dogs respond to their survival instincts, which encourage them to eat as much as they can. This is nature’s way of ensuring they will be prepared for a possible food shortage in the future. Overweight Dogs – 10 Tips For A Healthy Weight

No one can guarantee the wellbeing of a pet more than a caring, well-informed pet parent. Therefore, in order to act at the first signs of a pet being overweight, it is important to:

• Identify excess weight
• Know the risks of obesity
• Avoid overfeeding

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Identifying overweight to prevent obesity

How can I do it?

You can do so by observing the adipose tissue gathered on your pet’s back, chest, waistline and butt. It is important that your dog stands still during the examination.

This quick test will serve as an initial guide to identify the risk of obesity in your pet.

When a dog is standing up, by moving your hand down from back to chest without applying pressure, you should be able to feel his pelvic bones just above the tail and ribs. A thin layer of fat is ideal.

However, if you feel significant padding over the ribs and pelvic bones of your pet, it may be wise to schedule a visit to the vet to confirm the diagnosis and check for possible weight-related complications.

Simple and easy!

What to do if I detect that my dog is overweight?

If you detect that your dog is somewhat overweight, the first thing to do is consult your veterinarian to see if any dietary adjustments are necessary and ensure there are no health conditions that could impede physical exercise, which is the best method to help your pet lose weight.

A walk that is longer than your dog’s usual exercise routine is a simple way to start and gradually implement a fitness program.

For larger dogs, the practice of team activities such as canicross, bikejoring, and other types of dog-powered sports are ideal to keep them active and fit, both physically and mentally.

Canine sports are a good way to keep all kinds of dogs active and to give them the motivation to train. There is a sport for each type of dog regardless of their size, age, or temperament. For instance, agility and obedience fun matches are open to all kinds of dogs with any level of training.