Luvk9s Dog Training

The skinny on keeping your dog lean

Staying fit and losing weight are usually the top two New Year's resolutions for humans.  

But what about your dog? Has he put on a few pounds?  How can you determine if your dog really is overweight (as opposed to fluffy), and if he is, what can you do about it?

Body condition system

The Nestle Purina Body Condition System is a visual tool used by many canine professionals to determine whether or not a dog is overweight. Your dog’s body condition score should be a four or five.

Ideally, you should be able to easily feel your dog’s ribs. (If you can see them, your dog may be too thin.) When looking at your dog from above, you should see a waistline. When looking at your dog from the side, the abdomen should be tucked.  

Advantages to being lean

Studies show that a dog’s life expectancy is reduced if the dog is overweight. One such study, the Purina Life Span Study, followed 48 Labrador retriever puppies for 14 years. The puppies that were fed a restricted diet lived almost two years longer than the dogs that were not.

Dennis Lawler, the Purina scientist and lead study investigator noted “obesity, whether in humans or canines, is generally bad for health. What's exciting about this study is that, for the first time in a large mammal, we have shown scientifically that by simply feeding to maintain ideal body condition throughout a dog's life, we can increase the length of life while delaying the visible signs of aging. That's powerful stuff."

Keeping your dog’s weight in check can also prevent other health issues such as diabetes, damage to joints, bones and ligaments, heart disease, increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, decreased stamina, heat intolerance and decreased liver function (peteducation.com).

The use of pain medications can frequently be postponed for dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia with weight control and regular exercise. Less weight means less pressure on your dog’s joints. Regular exercise can maintain muscle mass to help hold the joint in place.

 Tips to help your dog lose weight

Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons your dog may be overweight. Your vet can also help you determine how much to feed your dog and may recommend a low-calorie food.

+ Weigh your pet weekly.

+ Measure out your dog’s daily food allowance – do not free feed your dog.

+ Make sure well-meaning friends or family aren’t sabotaging your dog’s diet by sneaking food.

+ Monitor treats. Most commercial treats are very high calorie. Cut treats into very small pieces or consider feeding your dog carrots, apples or cucumbers. Low-salt green beans can be an excellent supplement to your dog’s daily meals.

+ If you are using treats to train your dog, consider cutting back slightly on your dog’s daily food allowance or better yet, use some of your dog’s kibble as rewards.

 Exercise ideas for the winter

Many dogs love the cooler weather, so bundle up and take your dog for a walk. There are also many indoor activities you can do with your dog.

+ Toss a toy or ball indoors for your dog to chase. Better yet, grab your dog’s favorite toy and have him chase you.

+ Play tug with your dog.

+ Toss a ball or toy down the stairs for your dog to retrieve.

+ Do you have a treadmill collecting dust? Many dog owners have taught their dogs to use a treadmill. (A trainer can help you teach your dog to safely use a treadmill.)

+ Consider an indoor class like agility. Not only will you exercise your dog – you will also be surprised at the energy you burn off running alongside your dog.

+ Make your dog work for his food and practice the recall (come) cue at the same time. Position yourself in the middle of a large room with your dog’s food bowl. Toss a piece of kibble off to the right; wait for your dog to run for and eat the food. As he turns around to face you, call him to come. When he reaches you, reward him for coming by tossing the piece of kibble off to the left. Repeat tossing a bit of kibble to the right, then to the left (using the come cue every time your dog starts to head back towards you) until you have worked through your dog’s entire meal. Your dog will work off lots of energy running from one end of the room to the other while practicing the recall cue.