How can I get my dog to drop weight
How Can I Get My Dog to Lose Weight?
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By Dr. Sarah Wooten
Have you been frustrated because your dog doesnt lose weight, no matter what you do? Obesity in dogs is one of the biggest health concerns that veterinarians and pet guardians battle.
Sometimes, when it comes to weight loss for dogs, the answer is easy: reduce calories, increase exercise, and BOOMthe pounds come off. Other times, it isnt so simple.
If you have had your dog on the diet train and nothing is moving, try these five veterinarian-approved recommendations to tip the scales back toward a healthy weight.
Be Religious About Daily Calorie Limits
If you want to help a dog lose weight, then there are two non-negotiables that are necessary for success: you must have a daily calorie limit that has been calculated, and you must stay under that number.
A cheat day every now and then is okay, but in order to get the fat to burn away, the ins must be less than the outs, and the total daily calorie count matters. This is especially true for small dogseven an extra kibble or two every day or will add up to unhealthy weight.
Not sure what your dogs daily calorie limit should be? The easiest way is to ask your veterinarianmany vets are happy to calculate this number for you. They can also tell you what your dogs ideal weight goal is.
You can also visit Pet Nutrition Alliance and use their online calculator to calculate the calories. Once you have this number, then you will need to divide it by the kcal/cup number that is on your dog food bag. This will be on the back, in the AAFCO nutritional statement. If you cant find it, ask your veterinarian or veterinary technician for helpthey can point it out to you.
Once you divide the total daily calories by the kcal/cup, that will give you the number of 8-ounce cups of food to feed per day. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . If you feed treats, make sure to include those in the total daily calorie count as well!
No More Doggy Dishwasher
One overlooked source of excessive calories is people food. Yes, feeding dog treats and sharing food is an important part of the bond you share with your dog, but your heartwarming goodies might be sabotaging your weight-loss efforts.
If you feed any people food, include it in the daily calorie count. Dont forget to add calories consumed from licking plates clean! Many people let their dogs lick their plates after they finish eating or while they sit in the dishwasher, but this is where sneaky calories hide, even in BBQ sauce remnants.
Either stop letting your dog wash the dishes, or include it in the daily calorie count.
Super Sleuth Serial Food Sneaking
Do you have kids? Do they drop food? Does your dog snarf up crumbs? This could be a source of excess calories. Do you have grandparents that drop by with dog biscuitsin their pocket? This is also a source of excess calories.
Do you have multiple pets? Is your pup finishing other pets food? This is another source of excess calories.
You may have to do a little sleuthing to see if somebody is secretly feeding your dog extra food or if your dog is a serial food sneaker. People are often surprised at how far their enterprising pooches will go to find food.
It can be challenging to stick to the total daily calorie count when there are multiple people or children feeding one dog. Have a family meeting, decide who is going to feed the dog, and get everyone to agree to not feed extra.
The best practice is to set out what your dog will eat for the day in baggies, and when it is gone for the day, it is gone. No. More. Food.
Utilize a Therapeutic Diet
Food technology has come a long way, especially when it comes to therapeutic diets. In particular, Hills Prescription Diet metabolic weight management dog food has been a miracle product for many dogs that arent losing weight.
If the needle wont budge even though you have cut back calories and increased exercise, try feeding a therapeutic weight control dog food, like Metabolic diet, instead of your dogs regular maintenance diet.
There are ingredients, like L-carnitine, that help ramp up fat burning, and the food still delivers a complete and balanced diet even though calories are restricted. The same cannot be said for feeding restricted amounts of regular dog food.
Have Your Dogs Hormones Checked
Most dogs should be able to reach their weight-loss goals within three to six months.
If you have followed all of these instructions and been religious about the weight-loss program and still arent seeing results, then maybe your dogs hormones are to blame. Just like people, dogs can have hormonal imbalances that lead to weight gain and having difficulty losing weight.
Conditions like Cushings syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs and a sluggish thyroid are common hormonal problems that will make it difficult for a dog to lose weight. If you are several months into the weight-loss program and are not seeing results, then schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and ask to have your dogs hormones checked.
If your dog has one of these hormonal problems, prescription pet medicationis available to correct the condition and get your dog back on track to a healthy lifestyle.
Follow these veterinarian-recommended tips, and you should see success with your dogs weight loss.
Why Is My Dog Losing Weight? 10 Common Reasons
Understanding the reasons behind your dog's weight changes is essential for their health and well-being. A slight fluctuation in weight can be typical, but if your dog loses 10% of their normal body weight, it's a cause for concern and considered clinically significant.
This article delves into the various potential causes of such weight loss. From underlying medical conditions to stress or inadequate calorie intake, we'll explore each reason in depth.
Let's dive in to better understand what might be some possible reasons for your dog losing weight.
1. Diet
Food issues such as changes in diet, food aversion, or a change in water taste can lead to weight loss. Poor diet is one of the foremost causes of weight loss in dogs. This can happen if your dog isn't getting enough calories to maintain their body weight or if they don't like the food and simply refuse to eat.
Keeping an eye on their eating and making sure they get the right food can help.
Related reading: Dog Food Ingredients to Look For & Ones to Avoid
2. Stress
If your dog suddenly starts losing weight, they may be eating less because of stress. This can be triggered by sudden changes in the environment or the presence of new pets, for example, and may result indog appetite changes.
To address this, it's beneficial to consult a vet who can craft a personalized treatment plan. Through this approach, pet owners can learn effective techniques to soothe their dogs during anxiety episodes.
3. Dental Disease
Dental issues, particularly in senior dogs, can significantly contribute to weight loss. When a dog suffers from dental disease, the severe mouth pain they experience while chewing can discourage them from eating, leading to weight loss.
Key signs of advanced dental disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, and excessive drooling. If you notice your dog preferring wet food over dry, it might be due to the gentleness of soft food on their tender teeth.
To prevent such issues and ensure your dog's overall health, regular dental check-ups, and proper oral care are paramount.
4. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can interfere with a dog's digestive system and result in weight loss. These issues might make your dog feel too sick to eat normally or interfere with your dog's ability to absorb nutrients from their food.
Maintaining a consistent diet and avoiding sudden changes can help keep their digestive system in check.
5. Parasites
Intestinal parasites may also cause your dog's weight loss. Common intestinal parasites in dogs include tapeworms, giardia, hookworms, and roundworms. These creatures survive by obtaining nutrients from their host, leaving fewer calories for your dog to absorb from their food.
If you notice sudden weight loss, have a vet perform fecal tests to check for parasites and ensure your dog's well-being.
6. Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders resulting from hormonal imbalances, such as diabetes mellitus, Addison's Disease, and Cushing's disease, can also cause dogs to lose weight even if they continue eating normally.
Regular health screenings can aid in the early detection and management of these disorders.
7. Heart Disease
Any disorder of the heart is classified as heart disease, and it occurs in about 60% of seniors and 10% of all dogs. The most common symptom of heart disease in dogs is exercise intolerance, where your dog seems to pant or get out of breath during a gentle stroll. Decreased appetite and weight loss are also symptoms of heart disease.
Regular check-ups, especially for senior dogs, can help in early detection.
8. Kidney Disease
Weight loss may occur in dogs with kidney disease. This happens when the kidneys stop functioning adequately and is associated with aging in dogs. Common signs of kidney disease include excessive drinking and urination.
Your veterinarian may prescribe a specialized diet in cases of kidney failure.
9. Liver Disease
Liver disease is fairly common in dogs and can result in weight loss, coma, seizures, and death if left untreated. As a pet parent, you must watch your dog for poor appetite and arrange diagnostic testing if you suspect liver issues.
Ensuring your dog has a balanced diet and avoiding exposure to harmful substances can help in maintaining liver health.
10. Cancer
Neoplasms, or cancers, are common in older dogs. Cancer symptoms in dogs include decreased appetite, weight loss, respiratory changes, and sometimes a head tilt. Cancer cells grow rapidly, and the increased metabolic demand often results in weight loss.
If you're concerned about your senior dog's well-being, booking a quality-of-life consultation can provide clarity and guidance.
When to Seek Vet Care
It's natural for adult dogs to experience minor weight fluctuations over time. However, if you notice a significant drop in your dog's weight, it's a cause for concern. Especially if your dog's weight loss is paired with:
These symptoms might indicate an underlying medical condition, and it's crucial to see a veterinarian.
Treatments for Dog Weight Loss
If your dog is experiencing weight loss, the first step is often a comprehensive pet wellness check-up. Your veterinarian will perform this physical examination and may recommend some tests to determine the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatments.
For puppies, any weight loss is a warning sign. If you observe your young pup shedding pounds, it's crucial to act promptly. A timely puppy check-up can be instrumental in safeguarding their health.
Conversely, while it's not unusual for senior dogs to lose a bit of weight as they age, a significant drop is concerning. Whether it's a young pup or an aging companion, prioritizing your pet's health by seeking veterinary advice is crucial.
How to Prevent Rapid Weight Loss in Dogs
To prevent rapid weight loss in dogs, it's essential to provide an appropriate diet and ensure they go through regular veterinary check-ups.
Ensuring your dog receives the right food tailored to their specific needs, age, and breed can make a significant difference in their overall health. Regular veterinary visits allow for consistent monitoring of your dog's health, facilitating early detection of any potential issues.
If you ever observe a sudden, unexplained weight loss in your dog, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian without delay.
Conclusion
Sudden weight loss in dogs can stem from a myriad of reasons, from dental issues and stress to more severe medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, and heart, kidney, or liver diseases. If you notice your dog shedding pounds unexpectedly, it's not just about addressing the calorie deficit; it's about understanding the root cause.
Don't wait for the situation to escalate. Book a wellness exam with a veterinarian to ensure your pet's health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of my dog being underweight?
Typical signs that indicate you have an underweight dog include bone protrusion. If your dog's ribs are clearly visible and when you touch them, it feels like there is no layer of fat between them and the skin, then your dog is underweight.
Why is my dog losing weight but still eating?
If your dog is eating well but losing weight, it usually means they're not absorbing the nutrients and calories from their food. This could be because of internal illness or parasites. It's also possible that their diet isn't providing as many calories as their metabolism needs. You can start by increasing their food portion and consult your veterinarian for a pet health check.
What happens if a dog loses weight too fast?
Rapid weight loss in dogs can cause undesirable behaviors like digging into the trash. Additionally, it results in nutritional deficiencies, causing your dog to become weak and have stunted growth.
