Do you want your Saint Bernard to lose weight? Then, this article will cover everything related to weight reduction foods, supplements, and more.
Imagine this: Your fluffy Saint Bernard is trotting around the house, looking all cute and cuddly. Their chunky, chubby paws and cheeks can surely look adorable. While this dog breed doesn’t necessarily come under ‘the fattest dogs,’ they can surely become obese.
Saint Bernards have a larger build, making them gentle giants. Hence, it’s easy for fat to accumulate under their skin, causing them to gain weight. The VCA Animal Hospital states that any canine can be considered obese if their body fat exceeds 20% of their weight.
Dog obesity, especially in a less energetic dog like a Saint Bernard, can be dangerous. Unfortunately, this extra fluffiness can impact mobility and lead to serious heart conditions.
Do you want your dog to lose weight? Then, you’ll need dog weight loss tips to help your canine shed that extra weight. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about a Saint Bernard’s weight loss plan.
Why Is Extra Weight Dangerous for a Saint Bernard?
According to Dr. Michelle Diener, DMV, Saint Bernard’s healthy weight should be between 120 and 180 pounds for a shoulder height of 26 to 30 inches. Anything more than that can be considered overweight or obese.
Vets believe that while they are mostly a healthy and playful breed, obesity can still become a significant problem. The reasons include the following:
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Excess weight can strain the dog’s joints and bones, leading to arthritis and hip dysplasia.
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Obesity can lead to respiratory issues (since they are brachycephalic or short-nosed) during hotter weather and while engaging in physical activity.
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The Saint Bernard can develop heart disease, metabolic issues, and diabetes due to excessive weight.
Hence, you must remember to take your dog for diagnostic testing to determine whether they are obese using a body condition score. The vet will then present you with solutions based on the dog’s medical history.
Can Weight-Reduction Food Help Saint Bernards Lose Weight?
They grow really fast. Hence, there is a higher risk of them gaining weight. Due to their larger build, most pet parents don’t understand that their Saint Bernard has become obese.
Have you recently seen your dog being too picky with their food? While this is a sign of obesity, giving them the right kind of food flavor can easily help.
The Hill’s Prescription Diet r/d Weight Reduction Dry Dog Food is chicken-flavored and contains therapeutic L-carnitine to help metabolize the fat and maintain lean muscle. With this, Saint Bernards can enjoy every meal. Moreover, the antioxidants and fiber can make your dog feel satisfied and foster a healthy immune system.
In some cases, wet food could be a better option if you want your dog to lose a few pounds. The Blue Buffalo True Solutions Fit & Healthy Natural Weight Control Wet Dog Food can help. Saint Bernards can end up losing weight naturally after having this product that contains real chicken, vitamins, minerals, and healthy whole grains.
However, pet parents should follow feeding guidelines and gradually transition their Saint Bernard’s diet to new weight-management dog food. You can mix a little at a time into the dog’s diet and increase the amount over the next few weeks. Remember to consider portion control when putting them on this specialized diet to manage their calorie intake.
Are There Any Medications for Weight Loss?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a diet pill for dogs was specially designed to reduce appetite and caloric absorption. While this is considered safe, it’s probably best to steer clear of dog weight-loss pills because of the minimal research in this field. Otherwise, there’s an increased risk that your Saint Bernard will develop a serious medical condition.
Some vets might prescribe medications to deal with obesity caused by hypothyroidism in smaller breeds. For larger canines like Saint Bernards, it’s best to stick with safer weight-loss supplements as treats.
The Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Weight Management Dog Treats are a pet parent’s favorite. Formulated with fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants, this crunchy treat can control the dog’s appetite, reduce inflammation, and maintain dental hygiene.
Even with these treats and tasty food, it’s best to introduce regular veterinary check-ups and exercise for diet management.
Do You Need to Change the Exercise Routine for Your Saint Bernard?
You can help any dog lose weight with the right exercise routine. According to Andie Lenhard, a double-licensure with DMV and RN degrees, exercise is a great way for dogs to achieve gradual weight loss only when combined with the proper diet.
WebMD mentions that minimal or no exercise can cause dogs to become overweight or obese. Due to Saint Bernard’s larger build, it can be hard for pet parents to be consistent with an exercise routine. That’s why you should follow these tips:
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Try physically stimulating activities by buying the right toys.
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Motivate them to exercise to burn calories by giving them healthy and low-calorie treats.
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Take them on regular, brisk walks, hiking, jogging, and swimming.
Saint Bernard’s parents should also buy them mentally stimulating toys. The Kong Classic Stuff’N Easy Dog Toy is a good product to keep your furball busy. Pet parents can place the weight-reduction treats inside this toy, leading to an enhanced play session. Industry leaders believe that ensuring the dog has the right mental stimulation can help prolong their life and reduce obesity.
Does Caloric Intake Dictate Your Saint Bernard’s Weight?
If you want to help your dog lose weight, you must be aware of their calorie intake. Usually, your Saint Bernard will experience weight gain when they consume too many calories, like fat and carbs.
According to PetMD, this breed should only get two to three meals daily. Similarly, their diet should contain 90% dry or wet food and only 10% treats. The fewer calories they eat, the more likely they are to lose weight.
You can limit giving them table scraps to prevent unintended calorie spikes. When it comes to the dog’s food, try using a measuring cup to avoid overfeeding. Always be vigilant about meal times and consider portion size. These will reduce the risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or bloating.
Consult a vet to determine how many calories your Saint Bernard will need to be healthy. For example, fats and carbs are necessary in their diet, but they should be given in moderation. Choose a low-calorie, high-nutrition, and protein-rich diet with balanced nutrients for rapid weight loss and to maintain the dog’s digestive system.
In conclusion, you should follow the tips and invest in the products mentioned in this article to aid your dog’s weight-loss journey. With these, you can maintain your dog’s health. Consider this a weight-loss program for Saint Bernards.
Pet obesity prevention for this breed can be done with the right diet, exercise, supplements, etc. Following the dog’s weight loss plan consistently can help in many ways. Are you ready to prioritize your dog’s health?
