Simple care helps prevent overweight and ensures a better quality of life for your pet
In recent years it has become increasingly common to find overweight or obese dogs. According to a study by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences of the University of São Paulo, 40.5% of dogs in the state of São Paulo are overweight.
“The main cause is a poor diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle. However, some diseases such as hypothyroidism, common in dogs, and adrenal gland disorders also lead to obesity,” adds veterinarian Dr. Luiz Fernando Ferreira.
This condition is not just aesthetic; they can cause serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, joint pain and even reduce the patient’s life expectancy. pet. Therefore, taking steps to maintain your dog’s weight is essential to ensure their quality of life and well-being. Below, check out some tips for this!
1. Consult your veterinarian regularly
The sequel veterinarian Regular nutrition is essential to ensure your dog’s health and well-being. During consultations, the professional can evaluate the ideal weight of the animal, considering its age, size and level of physical activity. He or she can also recommend a personalized diet and perform tests to identify weight-related health problems early, such as hypothyroidism or other metabolic disorders.
2. Offer a balanced diet
Food quality is one of the most important factors in maintaining your dog’s ideal weight. With the help of your veterinarian, choose foods that are appropriate for your pet’s age, size and activity level. Also, avoid offering human foods, especially those high in fat, salt or sugar. Also consult your veterinarian to determine the exact amount of food, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients without exceeding his daily calories.
3. Establish fixed times for eating
Maintaining an eating routine helps prevent your dog from overeating. Always offer meals at the same times, creating a healthy and predictable habit for the animal. If he doesn’t eat everything right away, remove the bowl after 15 or 20 minutes and offer it again at the next scheduled time. This also helps prevent the food from being exposed and losing quality.
“Eating without a set schedule, or at will, can also increase your chances of obesity of petsjust like that snack, or the leftovers from our lunch, can be very harmful to their health. The veterinarian can indicate the ideal diet, even if it includes dietary foods”, advises veterinarian Thaís Matos.
4. Check your snacks
Treats are one way to reward your dog and show affection, but too many treats can lead to weight gain. Choose natural options, such as carrot pieces, apple (seedless), or other dog-safe foods. Remember to factor the calories in snacks into your pet’s total daily calories. Also, reserve these treats for special moments or as part of your workout.
5. Encourage exercise
Physical activity is essential to help your dog expend energy and maintain a healthy weight. Daily walks are a great option, but it’s important to also include games, such as ball fetch, and even dog sports, such as agility.
Furthermore, stimulating the mind of cub It’s just as important as taking care of your physical health. Interactive toys, such as puzzles petsthey help keep him mentally occupied and prevent him from eating out of boredom.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
