Why Calorie Counting Matters for Your Dog's Health and Wellbeing?
Every puppy pawrent wants their doggo to live the longest and happiest life possible. But too often we love them too much and feed them more than we should or we give them excessive treats and table scraps. If you want your furry friend to be with you for a long time, it is important to keep them at their proper weight.
Health Problems Caused by Packing Too Many Pounds
Just like humans, dogs that carry too much weight can have a variety of health issues. With those extra pounds come many conditions that aren’t good for your dog. Being overweight causes or contributes to:
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Infections
- Intestinal issues
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
- Joint problems
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- Skin problems
- Urinary Tract Disease
These ailments reduce a dog’s quality of life and treatments for them can quickly add up.
The Many Benefits of a Thin and Trim Dog
You want the best for your four-legged pal, so it’s important to try to keep them at their ideal weight. In a large-scale study of dogs, “research concluded that… overweight dogs generally have a shorter life expectancy (up to 10 months) when compared to dogs of an ideal weight.” [1]
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight means:
- Fewer trips to the vet.
- Easier diagnosis and treatment of any health problems.
- More energy.
- A longer and happier life.
The connection between weight and longevity and quality of life has been studied. In a study conducted by Purina, dogs that were fed a restricted diet lived as much as 15% longer. That equates to two more years of wags and kisses! The restricted diet also helped delay some signs of aging and reduced blood pressure.[2]
So keep your furry friend thin and trim if you want to spend more quality time with them!
Counting Calories to Achieve a Healthy Weight
If you can’t easily feel your dog’s ribs, it’s time to start their weight reduction program. Even a small reduction in weight can make a noticeable difference in an overweight dog’s health and energy level.
You can start by:
- Feeding them a high quality food with fewer calories.
- Accurately measure the portions each time you feed them.
- Cut back or cut out treats and table scraps.
- Exercise daily with your dog.
It can feel like a lot of effort at first, but both you and your doggo will be happiest if they feel good and move well. If you have questions about safely reducing your dog’s weight, talk to your vet. Get started helping your fur baby drops those extra pounds so you can celebrate their increased longevity and improved quality of life!
[1] 5 Benefits You Can Expect When You Help Your Dog Lose Weight
