According to veterinary experts, the need to lose unnecessary weight affects not only humans, but also dogs.
Pet obesity rates have increased over the past 20 years in the United States, with 59% of dogs expected to be overweight or obese by 2022, according to a report from the Pet Obesity Prevention Association.
Obesity can shorten lifespan average lifespan of a dogAccording to the report, it causes pain and increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, skin diseases, respiratory diseases, kidney dysfunction, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
Texas K9 awarded Purple Heart after surviving officer-involved shooting: 'Courage and purpose'
So what can you do to help your furry friend fight the bulge?
Fox News Digital spoke to several experts who offered their advice for helping your pup lose weight.
Pet obesity rates have increased over the past 20 years in the United States, with 59% of dogs expected to be overweight or obese by 2022. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Jeffrey Krasnoff, veterinarian at Brookville Animal Hospital Long Island, New Yorktold Fox News Digital that it's important to start by seeing your veterinarian if your dog is gaining weight.
“Dogs that are overweight should be tested for underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease (excess of the hormone cortisol),” says Krasnov.
Keeping your pet safe in the cold: 5 important tips to protect your furry friend this winter
For Linda Fiordirizo, an American Kennel Club (AKC) judge who shows bulldogs nationally and runs a dog grooming business in West Islip, New York, her dog's body shape and health are of paramount importance. Maintaining it is a top priority.
“A dog should look toned. We don't need Arnold Schwarzenegger, but we want a dog that looks healthy,” she says, noting that this requires monitoring the animal's diet and exercise. did.
Even if your dog isn't on the competitive circuit, it's important to stay at a certain level. healthy weight, AKC Judge told FOX News Digital.
Advice for monitoring intake
overweight problem Krasnov said that in dogs, it is usually caused by overfeeding, noting that owners need to be disciplined when it comes to feeding their dogs the right foods and portions.
Dogs can't open the refrigerator, so it's up to you to feed your dog.
“Many people give their dogs too many treats, which makes them fat. It's the same as people who eat too many treats and sit on the couch all day.”
Krasnov said he has had success with certain prescription diet foods as long as owners strictly follow the feeding plan.
To reduce his caloric intake, Fiordirizo said he adds frozen peas and green beans to his bulldog's food so he feels full with fewer calories.
Experts agree that if your dog is gaining weight, it's important to see a veterinarian. (St. Petersburg)
There are many ways to help your dog lose weight, but start by identifying the source of excess calories, says Lori Asprea, a certified veterinary technician and assistant professor at Long Island University Post-Veterinary Technology School. Ta.
“Perhaps your pet is being overfed or given too many treats during meals. Or perhaps your child or other family member is handing out extra treats or part of their dinner. '' Aspreay told Fox News Digital.
Texas toddler helps feed his dog and asks him to say “Say Grace'' before letting go and says “Amen.''
The next step is to determine your pet's calorie needs.
“If you're interested in helping your pet lose weight, we recommend talking to your veterinarian to help calculate your furry family member's calorie needs,” Asprea says. “We have a basic formula, but we adjust this based on the pet's activity, breed, health, and goals.”
For best results, veterinary experts recommend gradually reducing your pet's daily intake. “You never want your pet to run out of food or see changes in behavior or health due to a significant reduction in food,” the expert said. (St. Petersburg)
In a multi-person household, it can be difficult to know how often to feed your dog.
Asprea recommends creating a plan to track what your pet is getting each day (the amount of food and treats, including calorie counts) and comparing the actual intake to the recommended intake.
“Some of the treats out there are high in calories and can be very stressful for pets,” says Jacqueline Geary, a certified veterinary technician who specializes in emergency and critical care on Long Island, on FOX. He told News Digital.
Cat scares away coyote and saves dog's life — watch the amazing video of the rescue
“Using things like baby carrots instead of treats makes a difference,” says Geary, who is also a faculty member at the Long Island University Post-Veterinary Technology Program in Brookville, New York.
She recommends breaking up the treat into smaller pieces rather than giving the whole milk bone as a single reward.
For best results, veterinary experts recommend gradually reducing the daily intake.
“For overweight pets, just like with humans, we start small and gradually change their daily activities.”
“We never want our pets to be underfed or have behavioral or health changes due to significant reductions in food,” Asprea said.
“Please consult your veterinarian. low calorie snack options “Also, certain prescription diets that are low in calories and high in fiber can help your pet eat more and feel satisfied while reducing calories,” she added.
Some experts recommend breaking up the treat into smaller pieces rather than giving the whole milk bone as a single reward. (St. Petersburg)
It's never a good idea to try Trends in human eating habits Experts also stressed about your pets.
For example, animal experts said there isn't much research showing that intermittent fasting is effective for dogs.
“This study is fairly inconclusive and further research is needed to better understand how things like intermittent fasting affect pets, so this is something we It’s not a tactic to use,” Asprea said.
“At this time, we do not recommend fasting your pet unless medically necessary.”
Tips for keeping your dog active
Increasing activity levels will not only reduce your puppy's weight, but will also increase your animal's physical fitness. mental and physical healthexperts agree.
“The amount of time your pet spends being active will vary depending on your pet's health, age, temperament, and breed,” Asprea says.
San Francisco company's anti-aging drug for dogs nears FDA approval
“We always say, 'A tired pet is a good pet,' so it's important that owners consider their individual pet's needs.”
She pointed out that each animal can be different, even if they are of the same breed.
Experts agree that increasing activity levels not only helps your pup lose weight, but also promotes the animal's mental and physical health. (St. Petersburg)
“It's worth paying attention to how much they want to engage, or whether they're engaging in destructive behavior because they're bored,” Asprea says.
Consult your veterinarian before adopting a new animal for your furry friend. exercise therapyshe also said.
“As a general rule, with overweight pets, just like with humans, we start small and gradually change their daily activities to avoid putting undue strain or physical stress on the pet. “We will continue to do so,” Asprea told Fox News Digital.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
There are ways to encourage low-impact activities while being mindful of the extra stress on your dog's joints due to weight gain.
“At my house, we play hide-and-seek while eating dinner,” Asprea said. “I take half a meal of kibble, hide it here and there, and tell them to find it. This is physically and mentally stimulating all the while they finish their dinner.”
Veterinary experts stress that it's never a good idea to try out human dietary trends on pets. (St. Petersburg)
Fiordirizo suggested increasing the animal's weight. activity level Getting your dog moving by taking more walks or playing with a ball will help burn calories for both pet and owner.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
If home measures are ineffective, veterinary experts recommend using other services such as pet physical therapy.
There are also specialized veterinarians sports medicine Rehabilitation uses special tools, such as underwater treadmills, to safely move your pet.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
