Helping Your Pet Lose Weight

Pet doors come in many sizes, and so do pets. If you find your dog or cat is showing signs of obesity, it’s time to help them lose weight. In 2016, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reported about 54% of canines included overweight dogs and 59% of cats in the U.S. are overweight. Thus, fitting through those tight dog doors and cat doors can get tough.

Overweight dog health problems include diabetes, arthritis, heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer. If you want your overweight cats and dogs to live healthier, here’s how to help your pets lose weight.

Pet Lose Weight

Calculate and Measure

Feeding guidelines often don’t consider your individual pet’s needs. Calculate calorie requirements by dividing the pet’s weight (in pounds) by 2.2, multiply the answer by 30, and add 70, as noted by the Pet Health Network. The requirements, however, differ for individual dogs and cats, so talk to a veterinarian if considering a diet.

A measuring cup can be a great tool for feeding overweight dogs and cats. By guessing, or supplying your pet with a full bowl all day, you can exacerbate the problem with just a few extra bits per day.

Healthy Pet Diet

Low-carbohydrate pet foods can help your pet lose weight. As an alternative to store-bought treats, try giving your dog broccoli, baby carrots, cucumbers, or sliced apples. A bit of tuna or salmon for a cat can be a healthier choice. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can give your pet a healthy dose of anti-oxidants, promote weight loss, and prevent/help treat many diseases.

Activity and Exercise

Help Pets Lose Weight

Pets, like people, tend to live a sedentary lifestyle of inactivity. Exercise can benefit you and provide overweight dog help. According to VCA Hospitals, a daily 30-minute walk can help with weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and boost immune function. Daily 5- to 15-minute play with a cat can help them, too.

Most importantly, stick to a routine. Ignore begging; the extra food won’t help any. Break treats into smaller pieces and use them only as rewards for good behavior. By following these tips, you can help your dog lose weight and reduce overweight cat symptoms.

Last, find the appropriate pet doors that allow your dog or cat to live free. Order yours today from Australia Pet Doors, or call us at 0414-922-751 for help now!

Sources

  1. https://petobesityprevention.org/2016
  2. https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/7-surprising-ways-help-your-pet-lose-weight-and-why-its
  3. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/creating-a-weight-reduction-plan-for-dogs