Wag More, Weigh Less: Simple Tips for Helping Your Dog Lose Weight in the New Year

As we kick off the new year, one of the most common resolutions we’re often thinking about is how we can lose those Christmas kilos and be a healthier version of ourselves.

But, have you ever taken the time to think about how this applies to your dog as well? 

Maybe you’ve both put on weight together with those bad dietary habits that crept in over the Christmas holidays, perhaps one of you is injured and can’t exercise like you normally do, or it could be that your dog has been ageing, and before you know it they’re not as active as they once were. 

Whatever the reason is, it’s important to remember that a healthy weight is crucial for your dog’s overall health and well-being.

To help your dog achieve their weight loss goals this year, here are a few new year’s resolutions to consider:

Diet

1. Work out how much your dog should be fed. Using an online dog feeding calculator can be a great help, as it’s not always so straightforward. Factors such as a dog’s age, activity levels, type of food, snacking, genetic predisposition, medical issues and more will influence this. Reading instructions is also a good place to start if you feed your dog pre-packaged food 😉
2. Measure their food: Start by measuring your dog’s food and ensuring that they are not overfed. This is one of the more common things that owners don’t do, and it’s one of the easiest to fix.
3. Adjust their food amount. If you’re not seeing results, slowly reduce their calorie intake and monitor the results. If you’ve overdone it and they’re losing too much, do the opposite.
4. Limit treats: Treats can be a major contributor to weight gain. Try to limit the number of treats you give your dog or switch to lower-calorie options. Also keep an eye on other family members, especially kids who might be handing out unsolicited treats to your dogs.
5. Are they a food thief? Do you have another dog who doesn’t have the same appetite as your overweight dog? Make sure one isn’t stealing food from the other one’s bowl!

Exercise

1. Increase their exercise: Regular exercise is essential for weight loss in dogs. It’s also good for you! Try to incorporate more physical activities into your dog’s routine, such as taking them for longer walks or runs, or even swimming.
2. Does your dog have difficulty exercising? Hydrotherapy in a water treadmill is a great option for some dogs as the water lessens the impact on their joints and is done in a controlled environment. This makes it really useful for dogs who are carrying injuries, have poor fitness or don’t socialise well with other dogs.
3. Underwater Treadmill can be used for a more intense workout. An underwater treadmill isn’t just to make things easier for injured or overweight dogs. For dogs who are up to it, the water treadmill can be used to create more resistance for a more intense workout, sort of like when we try to sprint through shallow water at the beach – it’s pretty hard work!

Other

1. Consult with a veterinarian and/or qualified dog rehabilitation therapist: Before starting any weight loss program, it’s important to consult with a qualified practitioner. They can help you determine the appropriate calorie intake for your dog and monitor their progress. If the results aren’t coming along as expected, despite your best efforts there could be other factors at play such as undiagnosed medical issues which will need to be tested for.
2. Be consistent: Remember, weight loss takes time and consistency. Most likely, your dog didn’t get fat overnight, it gradually happened over time. Now we’re doing the opposite. Stick with a consistent diet and exercise routine and be patient with your dog as you work together to achieve their weight loss goals.

As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to look after our dog’s health as best we can. By incorporating these new year’s resolutions into your dog’s routine, you’ll be taking a significant step towards improving their overall health and well-being.