Is your dog overweight?

Owners are only too happy to give their dogs tasty rewards, and some just a little too happy. Because did you know that 35% of pets are overweight† Think your dog is a little overweight, but you're not quite sure? Then there are some ways to check this.

Being overweight can have dire consequences for your dog, such as back problems, heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, significant reduction in quality of life, and I could go on and on.

How do you know if your dog needs to lose some pounds?

Check your dog's ribs, is the message! Their ribs should be palpable but not apparent from a distance (this would indicate underweight). The ribs may therefore be covered by a dun layer of fat. 

Also look at your dog from different perspectives. Look at him from above, his waist should be clearly visible there. Then look at it from the side, there you should see a retracted belly without excess or hanging fat. It is an obvious sign that your dog is overweight if your dog's ribs are completely covered in fat.

Some dogs are more prone to obesity than others

Females are generally more prone to being overweight than males but there are several breeds that are more likely to be overweight such as Basset Hounds, Beagles, Boxers, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Pugs and Rottweilers. So pay extra attention to these varieties!

What are the risks of being overweight?

• Being overweight in dogs can shorten their life expectancy by an average of 2 years.
• They suffer from a loss of fitness. They get tired faster because those extra pounds of fat press on the airways and heart. Due to that reduced condition and less exercise, the risk of heart and lung problems also increases
• They are also more likely to develop diabetes
• They have an increased risk of impaired liver function due to fatty liver
• They also develop bone and joint problems. Overweight dogs almost all develop osteoarthritis after some time.
• At warm temperatures they run the risk of overheating more quickly
• …

Enough ailments to see that obesity is a clear problem in dogs. Time to do something about it!

How do you make your dog lose weight?

Maintaining a good weight for your dog is vital to his health. So are there a few pounds too much on the scale? Then it's time to make a change in your dog's lifestyle. How do you handle this?

1. Adjust his diet† This may seem obvious, but it is the most necessary step to get his weight under control. Reduce the amount of food a little bit at a time. So do not suddenly give only half of its normal amount. or pturn its diet to a variety specially formulated to control weight to keep like Delcon Light contains a reduced fat content and yet all the necessary proteins and minerals for a healthy slimming cure.
2. Get plenty of exercise† In addition to nutrition, exercise is also an important factor to lose a few kilos. Go for a walk with it more often, go to an off-leash meadow where you can let your dog run wild. Play active games with him. Doing more activities with your dog will also help his weight drop faster. 

Curious to try out diet food for your dog? View our Light dog food here