Dog Weight Gain
Friday, July 21, 2017 05:18:20 PM America/Los_Angeles
Why is My Dog Gaining Weight? Causes of Weight Gain & Solutions for Heavy Dogs
A chubby pup can be just about the cutest thing you've ever seen – after all, who doesn't love the smushed-up face of a plump pug? While sometimes a chubby-looking dog can be cute, though, too much weight gain is actually an unhealthy thing for your best friend. Dogs should be fairly trim to promote their health, and allowing a dog to stay overweight can jeopardize their health and shorten their lifespan. At DoggieLawn, we want to make every part of owning a pet easier – so here are a few tips if your dog has been putting on the pounds.
Causes of Weight Gain in Dogs
Just like in people, weight gain in pets is usually caused by a surplus intake of calories. To stay at the same weight, a dog needs to burn the same amount of calories it eats every day – and if your pup has been eating well without necessary exercise, it's easy to slip into dangerously overweight territory.
That said, weight gain isn't always a problem. It's normal for dogs to fill out as they age, and even if your pup looks a little plump to you, they may already be at an ideal weight. Generally, there are three rules to determine if your dog is at a healthy weight:
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When looking from above, you see a noticeably thinner waist.
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When looking from the side, your dog's stomach curves upwards after the ribcage as it gets closer to the hind legs.
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You can feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard.
The best way to find out if your dog is at a healthy weight, however, is to ask your veterinarian. They can give you an accurate diagnosis of your dog's physical well being as well as recommendations for keeping your pup healthy & happy.
Treatments for Overweight Dogs
Most of the time, helping your dog lose weight is pretty simple: restrict calories and increase exercise. You don't need to put your dog on a juice cleanse or extreme diet all at once, but start by cutting down on portion sizes for every meal and cutting back on calorie-dense treats. If you have a habit of feeding your dog human food, it's time to put that to bed: the food we eat is usually far more calorie dense than dogs need.
In addition, try upping your dog's daily activity. Long walks, sessions at the dog park, or neighborhood runs are a great way to get your pup more active and help them keep a healthy weight. Making a habit of this will keep your dog healthy, active, and happy long into the old age of doggy years!
Order Your Doggy Grass Pad Today
We hope you found these tips helpful, and if you want to make another aspect of owning a dog easier, our DoggieLawn doggy grass pads are designed to do just that. Designed with real grass and an innovative soil-less construction, our pads are sanitary, safe, and loved by dogs everywhere – and they'll make sure Fido stays comfortable while you're out at the office all day. Feel free to learn more about our subscription system, and if you'd like to give our indoor dog grass a try, just order your grass box for dogs online today. Trust us: you and your furry friend will be very glad you did!
