Some of the breeds of the dog tend to be less active and playful when they grow old, and some of the breeds are by nature very lazy, when compared to the other pets. The lazy tendency can be prevented or can be reduced by helping the dogs eat what is right for them and not what they think is edible for them. Some of them are very foodie, and some dogs naturally control when and what they can eat. A conscious effort of understanding and regularizing the food habits of your dog will help you decide the food pattern and decide the diet for the dog so that it reduces weight.
Read the following tips, to help you in getting you overweight dog back in shape and make it healthy.
Avoid feeding the dog with the junk food. You will have to feed the dog only with the proper dog food and nothing else. This also includes the human food which includes off the table junkies. Consider avoiding high carbohydrate foods. The high quality food habits can be implemented once in a while, during the period of the diet.
Feed your dog with premium quality dry food. Ask the Veterinary doctor for recommendations over the food habits. In case you are switching the food pattern, do it slowly and steadily. A gradual change might cause digestive problems with your dog. If your dog is a selective eater, it will not immediately accept the change in the food, but do not worry; the dog will eat when it is hungry.
Take your dog on a walk at least twice a day. Incase your dog can do more, and then increase the pace and the frequency of the walk slowly and steadily. Some dogs do not exercise and here is the point where your active participation comes in. You will have to actively monitor and participate in the exercise schedule of your dog.
Plan a date with other dog. Playing and running around with other dogs is a great exercise, especially if your dog is alone in the house.
Cut the feed quantity. You can start with cutting the quantity by a quarter. But remember; do not reduce one complete meal. Cutting down on a complete meal can cause reduction of the blood sugar levels. So, equated and reduced quantity of meal can help dog maintain the required blood sugar levels.
Remove or reduce all the ways in which your dog can get food for itself. Left over dishes, garbage cans, cookie boxes, anything which tempts your dogs senses towards food should be avoided. Some dogs have this tendency and habit of digging around the yard and hiding the food items which they find. Find these sources and remove them.
Plan the diet schedule for a small period of time. Reducing the quantity of the meal and regular exercising with discipline will help your dog loose weight and you will also notice the results as the days pass by. In case you do not notice any of the above symptoms, then we suggest that you consult a veterinary doctor and follow his/her advice.