Bulldog Obesity Tips for Traveling with an Overweight Pet

8 Ways to Help Your Overweight Dog

Most of the time, its a joy to share things with our dogs. Unfortunately, we share bad habits, too. It turns out our dogs are just as prone to one of our most common health problems obesity.

A few extra pounds on your pup can have serious health implications, putting your dog at risk of experiencing a wide range of diseases and conditions, including a reduced life expectancy. Added weight can also impact your dogs quality of life by affecting their mobility, energy for play, and overall mood.

As in humans, we now recognize obesity as the most important medical disease that affects our companion animals, says Dr. Alex German of the University of Liverpool/Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic.

Talk to your veterinarian for information and guidance when it comes to your dogs diet and potential weight-loss plan. In the meantime, here are eight ways you can start to help your overweight dog.

1. Know Your Dogs Healthy Weight

Different breeds and ages have different healthy weight ranges. Check what the AKC breed standard says about the ideal weight for your breed. If your dog is beyond that range, consult your vet. Its best to get a professionals help as you assess your pets accurate weight, body condition, and diet, determine if the dog would benefit from a weight-loss plan, and set a target weight to work toward.

Note that some dogs may be shorter or taller than their breed standard requirements, so the ideal weight would be within those dogs breed standard height descriptions.

2. Keep Your Dog Active

Just like humans, exercise is crucial when it comes to helping your overweight dog get healthy. Increasing your dogs activity helps burn off energy (and calories consumed).

Dont panic! Exercising your pet doesnt have to mean running marathons or going for long hikes. Regular walks and the chance to run and play in a safe off-leash environment are good forms of exercise for your dog. Participating in AKC FIT DOG is a great way for you to get moving with your pet.

Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that gets your dog moving can help. Remember, different breeds need different amounts of exercise, so consult your vet, breeder, or your dogs breed standard for guidance on how much activity is recommended.

3. Know the Difference Between Begging and Hunger

Begging is not always about wanting more to eat. In fact, its often a ploy to get more attention. (And, when its rewarded, you reinforce and encourage the behavior to continue.) If your dog begs, dont assume that theyre hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of when the last mealtime was.

If your dog is prone to begging and youre prone to giving in to those puppy dog eyes, talk to your vet about a high-protein diet with a blend of fibers to help manage your dogs appetite and reduce their voluntary food intake. That way, you can feed your dog while knowing that they will feel fuller and stay satisfied longer.

4. Limit Treats and Table Scraps

Even when our dogs dont beg, many of us volunteer too many treats and table scraps. Dogs dont need to share everything we eat. Think of treats and scraps for your pet as you would candy for children to help you keep them to a minimum.

If you use treats for training, look for low-calorie, low-fat options and limit the amount. As an alternative, remember that clickers work great for reinforcement, and theyve got zero calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a huge difference for dogs, who are much smaller than we are. (Even those large breeds!) So, concentrate on a healthy diet, and curb the urge to treat them with more.

5. Measure and Monitor

Once your vet has designed a weight-management plan, you should have a clear idea of how much your dog should eat at each meal. Be vigilant. Dont free-feed or eyeball how much you scoop out. Instead, use an appropriate measuring device to ensure youre managing portion control.

6. Customize Your Dogs Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, so its important to match your dog with a nutrition plan that directly addresses their specific needs. Look for a brand that offers dog food designed for your pets own issues, whether its weight management, sensitive stomachs, or something else entirely.

7. Dont Go Cold Turkey

No, this isnt about feeding your dog leftovers. Its important to ease your dog into a new diet, rather than abruptly changing what they eat. Always consult with your vet before starting your dog on a new regimen. A good guideline is to plan for at least a seven-day transition when starting a new type of food. Heres what that could look like:

• On the first two days, feed your dog 75% of their old food and 25% of the new food.
• On the third and fourth days, increase the percentage of new food to 50%, with the other 50% being the old food.
• On the fifth and sixth days, feed your dog 75% of the new food, and 25% of the old food.
• By the seventh day, you should be up to 100% of the new food.

8. Stick With It

Like human, like pet! Studies have shown that after successfully losing weight, approximately half of all dogs regained weight. The good news is that researchers also found that rebound weight gain was significantly reduced by keeping dogs on a weight-loss diet, even after achieving their target weight. So, now that youve done the hard work and transitioned to a new formula thats working, stick with it! As with so many things in our dogs worlds, consistency is the key.

The Ultimate Guide to English Bulldog, Why Is My English Bulldog So Fat

In this piece, Im going to discuss the subject Why Is My English Bulldog So Fat?, and Im going to do my best to provide as much relevant information as I can.

Causes of Bulldog Obesity The imbalance between diet and lack ofsufficient exerciseis the main cause of obesity in Bulldogs.high-calorie foodand frequent treats also contribute to their weight gain. Hypothyroidism and neutering can also cause obesity in Bulldogs.

English Bulldogs: Are English bulldogs supposed to be fat

English Bulldogs are a thick,solid breed. There is no question they are supposed to be heavy and dense However, that does not mean they cannot get overweight. And being overweight comes with a host of health problems such as joint issues and heart problems.

English Bulldog: What is a good weight for an English bulldog

A full-grown male English Bulldog weighs about 50 to 55 pounds and stands 14 to 16 inches tall. A full-grown female English Bulldog weighs about ten pounds less at 40 to 44 pounds and stands at 12 to 14 inches tall.

What is obese for a bulldog?

Bulldog:However, despite the Bulldogsbroad chestand square shape, he should still tuck in at the waist. When you run your hands along either side of his rib cage, you should be able to feel his ribs. If you cant feel his ribs or detect a waistline thats slimmer than his hips , then your Bulldog is overweight.

English Bulldogs: How do English Bulldogs get stocky

Start with short walks of a few minutes with a young bulldog and build the dogs endurance. As he matures, walk longer distances more frequently Serious muscle conditioning should not begin until your dog is 12 to 18 months old. Incorporate hill work into a bulldogs waking regimen as he matures and becomes fit.

Are English bulldogs aggressive?

Aggressive:English Bulldogs are not aggressive to humans These bulldogs are people-friendly and love human attention. If trained and socialized early, theyre less likely to get confrontational. However, English Bulldogs may act ferociously if they feel threatened or act distant towards strangers.

Why are Bulldogs so lazy?

Bulldogs:Bulldogs love food and will be more than willing to eat any leftovers or under the table scraps. Bulldogs are thebest pet vacuumin the WORLD! However, if a bulldog is not fed a nutritious diet centered on their specific health needs , it will lead to obesity and increased laziness.

Bulldogs Ribs: Should you see a Bulldogs ribs

You should be able to feel the ribs with a slight covering of muscle over them, but they shouldnt be visible, feel like sharp ridges or be poking out Its important to really feel them with your fingertips rather than just looking, as many dogs coats will hide the ribs from view.

English Bulldogs Bite: Do English Bulldogs bite

If you own a Bulldog, you know him to be gentle, loyal, affectionate, and warmhearted. Like all dogs, they do bite , and unlike most other dogs, they have extremely powerful jaws that can lock tight and cause serious harm to a person.

At what age is an English Bulldog full grown?

Age:It usually takes a bulldog about three years to be considered fully mature. At about a year they hit several milestones and can be considered as adults and stop most of their growth. Bulldogs live considerably shorter lifespans than most other dogs of similar size, living between 8 to 10 years on average.

Are English bulldogs smart?

English:English Bulldogs are not very smart dogs according to canine psychologist, Stanley Coren. In fact, theyre ranked the 136th smartest breed for obedience & working intelligence. But obedience isnt everything. Bulldogs are great at learning for themselves without depending on their owners.

How can you tell if your dog is too fat?

Dog:No matter your dogs breed, you should be able to feel all of your dogs ribs without a thick layer of fat over them Your dogs chest should also be wider than his abdomen, with a noticeable tuck-up from chest to stomach. An overweight dog will generally have no waist and no distinction between chest and stomach.

Obese Dog: How do you treat an obese dog

Establish a Schedule : If you free-feed, leaving food down all day, offer meals on a set schedule. Put the food down for a certain time, perhaps 15 minutes, and take up any food that the dog does not eat. Limit Between-Meal Snacks: Dogs get a lot of calories in addition to their regular kibble.

Is my dog fat or muscular?

Muscular:Looking at your dog from above, if you notice that the pup looks rather rotund and oval-shaped, its likely that your dog is fat If, on the other hand, you notice that your dog has a defined waist toward the rear and a straight build down the sides, then theyre probably at a healthy weight.

English Bulldog: What should an English bulldog look like

English bulldog now Today, breeders have bred the bulldog to have more pronounced facial wrinkles, and an even thicker and squater body. The AKC describes the ideal dog as having a heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders and sturdy limbs .

Biggest English Bulldog: Whats the biggest English bulldog

Olde English Bulldogge The end result is a huge bulldog that can weigh as much as 130 pounds.

How much should a bulldog eat a day?

Bulldog:To sum it up, about 3 to 4 cups of quality kibble per day, split into two meals , is a great starting point for feeding Bulldogs. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dogs size, weight, age and overall daily activity.

English Bulldog: How much exercise does an English Bulldog need

The English Bulldog is a breed that has numerous health problems and requires very moderate exercise. Keep your pet as happy and active as possible by scheduling a half hour a day for their physical activity, including at least one short walk a day.

Good Family Dog: Is a bulldog a good family dog

Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them forbull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs.

Dog Overweight: Why is my dog overweight but doesnt eat much

If your dog is overweight but not eating much, you may want to schedule a vet appointment to have your dog checked for health conditions, including hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid, what regulates the bodys metabolic rate, is underactive and therefore slows the metabolism.

Lose Weight: Will walking my dog help her lose weight

A study at the University of Missouri showed that walking your dog was actually more effective for weight loss than having a membership in a gym or joining a diet plan If you weigh about 150 pounds and try to walk briskly, you can burn up to 135 calories for every 30 minutes you walk.

Are Bulldogs naturally Muscular?

Bulldogs:Underneath that unmistakable appearance is a buff bulldog with muscles just waiting to spring into action. If your loving bulldog has become more of a couch potato, there are healthy, safe ways to build muscle through diet and the right kinds of exercise. Bulldogs are surprisingly muscular for their size.

Do bulldogs turn on their owners?

Bulldogs:Pit Bull Terriers Probably the most notorious breed on this list, the pit bull has a reputation for unpredictability and aggression, even against its owner or his family. State and local governments have been vigorous at restricting ownership of this dog with breed-specific legislation.

English Bulldogs: Do English bulldogs turn on their owners

Some behaviors of bulldog aggression are: Possessive Aggression: Guarding high valued items, people, and food are instinct for dogs Some are more tolerant than others, but protecting what they want is not uncommon.

Why do bulldogs stink?

Bulldogs:English bulldogs can smell bad due to their sweaty footpads Trim the fur between the footpads using a pet hair clipper to keep the stench down. After trimming, give your pet a thorough bath. All dogs smell like dogs.

Do bulldogs like to cuddle?

Are Bulldogs Cuddly? Yes, bulldogs are exceptional cuddlers, gentle, affectionate, and LOVE attention from their family As a bulldog matures, these companion dogs become calm and more relaxed. Many times their affection is show through contact which includes cuddling.

English Bulldogs: Do English Bulldogs pick a favorite person

However, as many owners will attest, English Bulldogs are big softies who have their own ways of showing their affection towards their favourite person they also have their own unique ways of showing you they are happy.

Why are bulldogs so clingy?

Bulldogs:The reason why a bulldog follows its owner everywhere is related to his or her innate animal instinct and pack mentality Dogs that tend to accompany their owners everywhere they go are referred to as Velcro dogs. The term Velcro dogs illustrate the desire of English bulldogs to stay attached to your side.

Why is my dogs chest so big?

Chest:A deep chest is narrower and taller than a round or barrel chest. Dogs with deep chests were often bred for running, speed and endurance. The shape of the deep chest gives the dogs lungs a lot of space to expand, so the dog can take deeper breaths.

Dogs Spine: Why can I feel my dogs spine

Feel your dogs spine If you cant feel the bones, or they seem to be buried under fat, you have an overweight dog If the spine is very pronounced with little or no flesh on top of the individual vertebrae, you have an underweight dog.

How do I know if my dog is depressed?

Depressed:The symptoms of depression in dogs are similar to those experienced by people. Common symptoms include low activity levels, a loss in interest in the things they once enjoyed, and a change in eating and/or sleeping habits Some dogs may also show signs of aggression, including uncharacteristic howling or whining.

Bulldogs Dumb: Are Bulldogs dumb

Bulldogs are hard to train in fact, theyre one of the least trainable breeds available. Its not because theyre dumb, its just because theyre thinkers and dont automatically respond to commands They can be just plain stubborn.

Bulldogs Jaws: Do Bulldogs jaws lock

Bulldogs do not lock their jaws Lockjaw is a myth. No dog has the anatomy or mechanism to physically lock their top and bottom jaw together. Rather, lockjaw is a medical condition which is painful for bulldogs.

Bulldogs Lazy: Are Bulldogs lazy

This dog breed is muscular, strong and heavy! English Bulldogs are typically slow moving and lazy but very loving and develop a strong bond with their owners.

References

Is My Bulldog Fat? Heres Why it Matters!

https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/english-bulldog-growth-and-weight-chart/https://www.shutterstock.com/search/fat-bulldog