Not being active means a dog gradually gains weight. When theyโre overweight and still not eager to participate in physical activities, itโs time to take matters into your own hands and work out a plan B.
Non-active dogs are more likely to gain weight than other dogs. This is because their lack of physical activity leads to a slower metabolism and higher appetite.
Non-active dogs also tend to eat more than active dogs. So, if you're not keeping an eye on your dog's food intake, you might notice that he's gaining weight.
If you think your dog is gaining weight, the best thing to do is consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for advice on how best to handle the situation.
Health Risks of Being an Overweight Dog
Obesity is a serious health risk for dogs. While some breeds are more prone to weight gain than others, all dogs should be monitored for possible signs of obesity.
Obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including breathing difficulties, heart disease, diabetes, and joint disorders. If left untreated, obesity can also result in serious infections and even death.
If your dog is overweight, it's important that you monitor their weight regularly and take action if they seem to be gaining too much fat. It’s more crucial to monitor the weight of non-active dogs. That’s because they are more likely to become obese due to a lack of physical activities.
Why Some Dogs Don’t Enjoy Physical Activities
Research shows that physical activity reduces the risk of various diseases in dogs. It also prevents premature aging and helps them live longer. Despite that, some dogs don’t enjoy physical activities no matter how hard you try. This may be because they have a history of being overweight, which can lead to joint pain and even arthritis. As a result, they may prefer not to exercise too much.
Dogs that are uncomfortable with physical activity may also have behavioral issues that make it difficult for them to complete a given task. A dog's enjoyment of physical activities can be influenced by his breed and personality, as well as the environment they are in during the activity.
That being said, how do you help an overweight non-active dog lose weight?
Control Their Daily Food Consumption
In the US, obesity is a common problem in dogs but also one of the most preventable ones. 25-30% of dogs are obese in the US. Many of these dogs are non-active and don’t enjoy physical activity. For such dogs, daily food consumption needs to be maintained at a healthy amount.
Dogs that are not very active can benefit from reducing their daily food intake. It is important to reduce the amount of food you give your dog by about 20% of what they would normally eat in order to help them lose weight. This will help them burn more calories and stay healthy overall.
Giving them nutritious food is also important. After all, you can’t feed them table scraps and expect them to lose weight. Instead, opt for scientifically proven dog food that can help in this process.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Dog Food is a good option for weight management in dogs. You can then move to Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food if you want to mix things up. This one will ensure more nutrients for your dog. Apart from these, you can also try Royal Canin Dog Food and Canidae Dog Food.
Avoid Giving Too Many Treats
One of the best ways to help your dog lose weight is to reduce the amount of treats you give them. Dogs are often overweight because they eat too much and don't get enough exercise, so it's important that you keep track of how many treats your dog gets each day. Your dog may be a big fan of the Milk-Bone Dog Treats. So, you can let them have one each day, ideally after a walk outside.
If you can't bring yourself to cut out all treats, at least try to limit their intake. If your dog has a really hard time losing weight, consider cutting down on treats altogether.
Play with Them Indoors
When you have a dog that's overweight, it might seem like the best thing to do is take them for long walks. While this can be a great way to burn calories and get your pup some much-needed exercise, too much walking can also cause them to overheat and tire easily or injure their joints or muscles. Instead, try playing with your dog indoors. They'll get plenty of exercise without overheating or hurting themselves.
You can do this by chasing them around the house or using a toy like a ball or a frisbee to keep them motivated and active. You can also use interactive dog toys to play with them. The KONG Toys are also popular amongst dogs. So, you can go for those too.
Take Them Out for Quick Walks
If you have a non-active dog, it can be hard to find time to take them out for walks. A great way around this is by taking them out for quick walks. This will help them stay fit and healthy while also giving them some much-needed exercise.
You should also consider investing in a treadmill or other device that allows your dog to walk on their own without having to go outside. This makes it easy for you to keep your dog active even if you're busy.
Take them out for quick walks every day. If your pup isn't used to walking long distances, start by taking them on short walks around the block. Over time, increase the duration of each walk until you can go for as long as 30 minutes at a time.
When outside, put a no-pull dog harness over them. You can also use a retractable dog leash. A dog harness will ensure that your four-legged friend doesn’t run off, leaving you behind.
As you can see, there are many ways to help your non-active dog lose weight. The key is finding an approach that works for both you and your dog. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting any new exercise regimen or diet plan.
