Obesity affects 40% dogs and carries with it myriad problems ranging from the minor to life threatening. If you suspect your dog is getting chubby, there's a good chance you may be right, but how do you know for sure? Many pet parents find it difficult to gauge if their pets are overweight, as weight is not an accurate measure given different breed sizes and life stages.
Find your dog’s shape in 2 minutes with our S.H.A.P.E. guide
Pedigree® in conjunction with WALTHAMTM has created an effective algorithm that helps pet parents physically check for signs of excess weight.
What to do if your pet is overweight?
Do consult with your veterinarian for expert guidance in weight management, which might include specialised dog food that reduces the calorie intake without compromising on nutrients.
Here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind when you are trying to manage your dog’s weight
- Employ good feeding practices (i.e. meal feeding not ad libitum feeding), encourage a more active lifestyle and consider a food diary.
- Feed the dog before you eat and keep them in another room during meals to discourage begging.
- Exercise your dog on a regular basis, starting slowly with short activity periods, and gradually increase the exercise time.
- Avoid using food as a form of interaction and instead indulge in a session of active play as a form of social interaction.
- Serving your dog kibbles in a kong helps a dog burn calories even when eating.
