Overweight Dogs –  25–40% of dogs are overweight and 66% of US adults. If you want to lose weight, maybe the best thing for YOU and YOUR DOG is to walk your dog  more frequently and longer. If you don’t have a dog,  maybe you can dog walk a neighbor’s. The implications of being overweight are somewhat similar to humans: increased risk of diabetes, heart problems and cancer, dysplasia (joint disorders), kidney, liver, stomach and intestinal problems, and heat strokes and increased sensitivity to anesthesia.

While age and genetics affect weight, food type, activity level and stress also are factors.  Neutered dogs also gain weight more easily. Food –type and amount and exercise are major factors. If you reduce the amount of food (25% and you may want to feed your dog  more frequent, smaller meals),  make sure you are buying nutritious food to start out with or consider a well-balanced weight reduction diet product with high fiber and low fat.  Eliminate treats and table scraps.

Check out the source of the protein for your dog food—how much is coming from meat, eggs, milk, cheese, fish, soy and grains.  You do not want all meat, but it should not be all vegetable or  grain either. The ingredients are listed according to weight…check the label.  Dry food is generally preferable.

Also, it is very important that your dog has access to clean water, is let out frequently and gets exercise daily.