If your dog is middle age or older, make sure hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism are not medical reasons for your dog gaining weight. Blood tests can screen for these conditions. Dogs should be fed twice daily, so total caloric content/day should be divided in half for each feeding. Amounts should be measured carefully. Remember to figure any treats given in the daily tally. If compliance is difficult, consider having us pre-measure and package daily meals and treats for your dog. Consider using a reducing diet. These diets are designed specifically to help your dog lose weight. They are beneficial in that they help your dog feel satisfied while calorie intake is reduced. They also insure that all of your dog's nutritional requirements will still be met when caloric intake is decreased. We currently recommend PVD OM and Hills W/D and R/D - both have shown to be effective and highly palatable. They are both available in both dry and canned formulations. Substitute attention and play for treats. If you usually give your dog a treat after a bathroom break, consider 5 minutes of fetch, a hair brushing or a belly scratch instead. If you do give treats, use reduced calorie treats or substitute a couple of Kibbles from your daily amount. Add liquid to each meal. Adding a little bit of water to canned food to make a "gravy" can make your pet feel more full. If your dog is "food obsessed" and always seems hungry, consider adding Slentrol once daily. Slentrol is a drug made by Pfizer that works by blocking some fat absorption which sends signals to the brain suggesting that the dog is full, thereby decreasing appetite. We have had very good luck with this protocol. Find out more here. An active lifestyle will help your pet burn more calories. This does not mean letting your pet out in a fenced yard - even if it is large - overweight dogs are rarely active enough on their own to significantly increase their metabolic rate. If your dog is obese or arthritic the best place to start is with leash walks. Walks 2-3 times daily will increase lean muscle mass and burn calories. Fetching the ball is good exercise, but obese dogs , especially large breeds like Labradors and Goldens are at increased risk for knee injuries with these high impact, "turn on a dime" activities. Swimming is also an excellent activity for overweight dogs. If your dog is not used to walking consider building up the distance gradually. Click here for healthy walking guidelines and suggestions.
alternatives: Consider DayCare 2 or 3 times a week. - If your dog sleeps most of the day or if you are unable to exercise your dog, Camp Safari DayCare is a great alternative. We have full day and half day programs. Dogs have lots of outside area to romp and one on one attention. Find out more about daycare here.
will enjoy the activity, and it is fun to socialize with other dog owners. If your dog does have a dog Buddy, schedule playdates to benefit both pets.
Encourage activity by using interactive toys that require your dog to "solve the puzzle" to get a treat. Use low calorie treats or kibble to encourage your dog to get up and moving. Chase the dot - Cats aren't the only ones who enjoy laser pointers. A 10 minute game of laser chasing a couple of times a day requires minimal effort and burns calories. |
| Westcoast Veterinary Hospital, P.A. 239-598-2202 In the Greentree Center at Airport & Immokalee Rds. Hours M-F 8:30 -5:30 Sat 8:30-1:00 Naples Safari Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, Inc 239-592-1950 on Vanderbilt Beach Rd just East of Livingston Rd. Hours M-F 8:00-5:00 Sat 8:00-12:00N www.NaplesPetVet.com |