There is nothing sadder than to see a healthy young dog lugging around so much extra weight that it can barely move.  And even worse is that the dog doesn't overfeed itself, it has an accomplice!  It's owner gives it too much food and not enough exercise.  The pet doesn't fill the food bowl.  Granted, those big brown eyes pleading for more food can be hard to resist, especially if it is accompanied by a high pitched whine.  Be strong!  Resist the whine and harden your heart.  If dieting isn't helping, you may want to have your pet examined because it might be a thyroid problem making it difficult to lose the weight.  A simple blood test will be able to diagnose such a problem.

 

Besides using a low calorie pet food, there are lots of other ways to decrease calories in and increasing calories out.  Instead of fatty high calorie treats try frozen string beans or air popped popcorn.    Feed twice daily rather than once a day and go for walks.   If your pet is too heavy to pick up and weigh with the bathroom scale, you can measure the distance around the chest with a measuring tape and keep track of those inches.  Keep a journal of what your pet is eating, how much exercise is happening and what the weight or chest measurements are.  Watching progress happen is rewarding.  You want your beloved pet to live a long and happy life?  Then keep your pet in great shape.  All those long walks will help you too!  See your veterinarian to help get your pet started on the road to good health.  Over feeding your pet can literally kill them with kindness.