Obesity is a serious health concern in dogs as well as their humans. Like man, dogs can suffer from a lifestyle of overeating and lack of exercise that makes them obese and unhealthy. Dogs who are overweight have an increased risk of arthritis and other joint disorders, diabetes mellitus, heart conditions, respiratory problems and other serious health problems.http://www.vetinfo.com/medical-problems-obese-dogs.html

It has been noted that overweight dogs often have overweight owners. Changing your dog’s lifestyle to a healthy one may inspire you to lose weight if you need to, and most of us humans could do with more exercise. It may be that you and your dog simply need to get out and take a walk after dinner or go jogging to burn off extra calories and raise your metabolism.

You won’t be successful at helping your dog lose weight if you aren’t consistent in reinforcing the healthier lifestyle. Discourage family members and guests from sharing their dinner with your dog and limit his between-meal snack foods as well, replacing commercial dog treats with fiber-rich fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs to eat.

Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight can prevent many weight-related health problems and keep serious health conditions such as diabetes under control. Your dog will be more eager to play and join in family activities, and may have a better quality of life in his golden years because you love him enough to provide him with proper care and nutrition. Please use this guide to learn how to help your dog lose weight.http://www.vetinfo.com/medical-problems-obese-dogs.html

Before you put your overweight dog on a weight loss program, take him for a check-up to make sure that his problem stems from overeating and/or lack of exercise and does not have an underlying medical cause which requires professional veterinary treatment.http://www.petplace.com/dogs/obesity-in-dogs/page2.aspx

Hypothryroidism, a deficiency of the thyroid hormone, can develop in middle-aged and older dogs and has classic symptoms: The dog has little energy for physical activity and may become lethargic and obese. In many cases the dog may have brittle, thinning hair or smelly skin infections. Hypothyroidism can also affect the heart rate, and less commonly the dog may have neurological symptoms such as paralysis on one side of the face or weakness in the legs. Once diagnoses, hypothyroidism can usually be controlled with medications and the dog may return to his normal activity level, which will help him lose the excess weight he may have gained.http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=461

Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) may give your dog an obese appearance even though his weight has stayed the same. The fat on the dog’s body is redistributed so he has a puffy, pot-bellied appearance although he may not be an unhealthy weight for his size. Other indications of Cushing’s Disease include excessive thirst and urination, increased appetite, panting, thinning skin and hair loss, or skin infections.http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=461

The cause may occur naturally (often due to a tumor on the adrenal gland or pituitary gland) or the condition may be the result of long-term use of corticosteroid medications such as prednisone. Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of Cushing’s Disease and recommend appropriate treatment to return your dog to good health. Cushing’s Disease can put your dog at risk for diabetes, and overweight dogs are also more likely to develop diabetes, joint disorders and other weight-related health conditions.http://www.vetinfo.com/medical-problems-obese-dogs.html

Once your vet has given your dog a clean bill of health, or diagnosed any underlying causes for your dog’s weight gain, he can help you determine the best weight loss program for your dog. Your dog’s individual weight loss program will take into consideration his age, size, and his current physical condition. Please note that the information in this article is for informational purposes only, so please follow your veterinarian’s specific recommendations.

Helping your dog lose weight works best when the whole family gets involved. One adult family member (or responsible older teen) must take charge of the dog’s regular meal times so he isn’t unintentionally overfed. The rest of the family should resist sneaking him any treats or snacks that aren’t on his menu, no matter how soulfully he begs.

The rest of the family, especially the children, can help keep your dog exercised. Kids are natural playmates for dogs and enjoy playing games or just running around the yard with them. Take your dog on a long daily walk – it will do you both good mentally and physically. A trip to the dog park, a visit to doggy day care, or a regularly arranged play date with other dog owners gives your dog the opportunity to romp and play with his own kind. (Before taking your dog out in public or to other homes, be sure that your dog is well socialized and won’t seriously offend other humans or fight with their pets).

Participating in dog activities such as frisbee and flyball competitions, agility trials and other dog sports can keep your dog active and at his ideal weight. Structured activities such as these will keep your dog well-exercised and mentally stimulated, and may curb a host of behavior problems such as destructive behavior and excessive barking in addition to keeping his weight under control.

Put your dog on a healthy diet that provides proper nutrition. If your dog only needs to lose a small amount of weight, you may be able to simply reduce the amount of food you give him at each meal and limit the number of snacks he gets during the day. Dogs who are truly obese will do best on a weight loss program that is planned and monitored by your veterinarian. Your dog didn’t gain all that extra weight overnight, and it will be unsafe for him to lose it too quickly. Your vet will recommend a diet and exercise program that may take several months to a year before your dog drops to his ideal weight.http://www.petplace.com/dogs/obesity-in-dogs/page2.aspx

You may choose to feed your dog smaller amounts of his regular commercial dog food, or your vet may recommend a prescription diet.http://www.petplace.com/dogs/obesity-in-dogs/page1.aspx Additional fiber is often recommended for dogs who are on weight loss programs. A dog food that is formulated with a high fiber content can satisfy your dog in smaller quantities, or you can replace some of his dog food and dog treats with healthy fruits and vegetables. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1661&aid=656

Adding natural sources of fiber to your dog’s diet can help keep his weight under control and improve his colon health by keeping his digestive system regulated. Adequate fiber intake also reduces your dog’s chances of developing anal gland problems and can help keep diabetes under control by regulating blood sugar levels.http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1661&aid=656

To add some high-quality fiber to your dog’s diet, add a spoonful of oat or wheat bran to his meal, or slice up an apple for him. Your dog may enjoy a variety of fruits but be sure that you remove any seeds or pits; some contain chemical compounds that are harmful to dogs.http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-fiber-recommendations.html

Brown rice or steamed, mixed vegetables left over from the family’s meal are also good options for adding fiber to your dog’s diet. Carrots are one vegetable that most dogs like, and your dog might also eat green beans or peas.(Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, so be sure to check with your veterinarian or online resources before adding them to your dog’s diet).ref>http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-fiber-recommendations.html</ref>

Add fiber to your dog’s diet in small amounts to avoid gassiness and bloating. Dogs don’t digest raw vegetables very well, so serve them lightly cooked. Start with a very small amount of additional fiber and increase the amount slowly while watching your dog for signs of gassiness until you’re sure his body has adjusted to the amount.http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1661&aid=656