Understanding Your Dog’s Weight Management
You might have been surprised to be told your dog is overweight but around one third of adult dogs are overweight. Just like in humans, an increased bodyweight can reduce lifespan and increase the risk of serious conditions such as arthritis.
Be reassured that you can help your dog reach and maintain an ideal bodyweight by following an effective diet and increasing the amount of exercise.
How Can I Tell If My Dog is Overweight?
You should be able to easily feel (and see if short-coated) your dog’s ribs, see an obvious waistline when looking from above and the tummy should be tucked up when viewed from the side. Weight gain is often gradual and subtle but your dog’s weight can be checked every time you visit the vet. Your practise can also show you how to monitor your dog’s body condition score – ideally this should be four or five on a nine-point scale.
Some of the risk factors for obesity include overfeeding and overeating, lack of exercise, being neutered and getting older.
Diet is Important
Weight management diets such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Canine OM Obesity Management are formulated to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need and help them to feel full whilst reducing their calorie intake. Canine OM Obesity Management is highly palatable with high protein levels and added fibre to promote effective weight loss whilst maintaining satiety.
The aim is for your dog to lose weight gradually ( 1-2 per cent body weight per week) as this is safer and more likely to result in long-lasting weight loss. Your vet will advise on a suitable weight loss regime for your dog.
Once your dog has reached their target weight, you can continue to feed Canine OM Obesity Management (according to the Maintenance feeding guidelines) to help keep the weight off, or switch to a weight control maintenance diet such as Purina Pro Plan Light/Sterilised.
