Does your pet need to lose weight? To check your dog, move your
hands along his sides. If you can feel his ribs, he's about right.
When you look down on him you should be able to see a "waistline".
A home test for kitty is to run your hands down his sides when he's
standing. If his abdomen protrudes beyond the ribs, he's probably
overweight. Next make a visit to your veterinarian. He'll examine
your pet to make sure that the extra weight is not being caused
by another health condition, such as hormone imbalances.
The first step, once your pet has a clean bill of health, is to
enlist the help of all family members. Just as people sometimes
snack more than they realize pets can be snacking, too. The entire
family should refrain from feeding high-calorie treats and "begging
rewards" from the table. It may be that after everyone compares
notes, eliminating snacks alone may achieve the weight loss.
If more needs to be done, you can change to a food formulated for
weight control
a "light" formula. The reduced-calorie premium
foods provide your pet with the balanced nutrition to maintain healthy
skin and coat and aid in proper digestion while reducing calories
by limiting total fat. Light foods also have more fiber, so your
pet won't feel hunger.
The change from your pet's customary food to the reduced-calorie
food (or any time you change foods) should take place gradually
over a few days. The amount of the regular ration should be reduced
each day with the low-calorie food making up the difference in the
total quantity. By introducing the new food slowly, you avoid possible
digestive problems sometimes caused by a change in diet.
To insure that your pet does get the proper nutrition to maintain
overall health, be sure use the package feeding guidelines. Measure
out an appropriate amount of food based on your pet's size. If food
is left at the end of the day, discard it and begin the next day
with a new, measured portion.
A second, and equally important issue to address is exercise. Many
indoor pets do not have as much opportunity to exercise as do their
outdoor cousins. With both cats and dogs, exercise can take the
form of play with the pet owner. And as an added benefit, play helps
build the pet/owner bond. For dogs, a daily walking program will
help shed those pounds.
Whatever
activity you decide to pursue, remember that your overweight pet
is probably out-of-shape, too. Just as you would with your own exercise
program, start your pet out slowly and build endurance over time.