You might be surprised to learn that, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), more than half of domesticated canines are considered to be obese. An overweight dog is subject to a slew of health disorders, but the most common are digestive issues. An overly gassy dog is one of the first signs that your dog is experiencing gastric distress, and one of the first questions you should be asking yourself is:
Is my dog overweight?
Inactivity is often the culprit. Dogs confined to small spaces or limited in mobility are obviously more likely to gain weight because they’re unable to burn off the calories they intake. And, all dogs have plenty of energy to burn off; it’s just that some are less motivated. Whether it be because you live in an apartment, have to keep your dog chained up, don’t have access to a large outdoor space, or don’t have the time to take your dog out on a long walk, your pet might not be getting the workout it needs. Believe me, I understand. Life serves us something new to worry about on a daily basis, and we might not have the time to tend to our doggy’s exercise regimen. Besides, we have enough trouble going to the gym ourselves.
I have great news though. With a few handy exercises and maybe a few toys, you can motivate even the most stubborn of pups and point them toward a much healthier direction. We’re going to discuss a few basic exercise routines your gassy or overweight dog can do to lose weight. Some of which you should be able to do at home with very little time or preparation, which is obviously the goal. Big results with minimal effort.
First off, it is worth mentioning that a visit to a veterinarian will give you a good idea of how much weight your dog needs to lose. That, and a health check-up never hurts. Tending to any major health issues before setting up a workout regimen for your dog will ensure that they’re fit enough for moderate exercise. Now let’s take a look at some exercises your dog can do to lose weight and improve its overall health.
Dog Exercises:
Cooperative Physical Activity
Your dog is your most loyal workout companion. They’ll never turn down an opportunity to run around and spend time with you. They’ll keep up with your pace and then some. And, as an added bonus, they present you with an opportunity to be just as physically active. The battle to help our dogs lose weight begins with us. They’ll only be as motivated as we are. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about a third of U.S. adults would be considered obese. Therefore, joining our dogs on their weight loss journey is beneficial for both parties. On average, a dog owner spends an hour more a week walking than someone without a dog. So, why stop there?
Walking and Running
You probably already take your dog on walks, but taking a more active approach will greatly benefit their overall fitness. Taking an extra 15 minutes per walk could be all the difference in helping your dog lose weight; every little bit helps. If you’re trying to get fit yourself, going on a jog with your dog is an even better way for both of you to get in shape. You may surprise yourself. Within a few weeks, you might just be as eager as your dog to go out for a run. And, imagine how much better you’ll both feel.
Treadmill
If for whatever reason you can’t take your dog on long walks, a treadmill is an invaluable resource. Dogs require little convincing in operating a treadmill and actually adapt to them quite naturally. No need to turn up the dial to a full sprint; a brisk pace will do. Just be sure to have clear access to the kill switch should your dog try to dart away.
Weighted Backpack
Using a weighted dog vest or a dog backpack with improvised weights is a great way for your dog to maximize their weight loss during a walk or run. When considering how much weight for your dog to carry, 10% of their body weight is a safe start. As their comfortability and stamina improves, you can steadily increase the weight. This method won’t guarantee extreme weight loss in your dog, but it’s a great way for them to burn additional calories every workout.
Stairs, Jumps, and Obstacles
In addition to running with your dog, you can run stairs with them. No matter the size of the flight of stairs, running up and down steps is a straightforward workout you and your dog can do. They’ll happily follow along with no instruction required. If you’re feeling a little more ambitious and your dog follows instructions well, you can try some more involved exercises. Setting up an elevated platform for your dog to jump up to is a great exercise requiring little setup. A sturdy box or chair will do. Simply instruct your dog to hop up and down from the platform. It’s a simple but incredibly effective workout. Additionally, if you have the room, you can set up a makeshift obstacle course for your dog to race around through complete with objects to leap over, platforms to hop on, and tunnels to crawl through.
Swimming and Hydrotherapy
Next time you go to the beach or a lake, take the dog along to swim with you. Swimming is a great exercise that enlists all parts of a dog’s body to perform. It will improve their cardio and muscular endurance all in one go. If your dog isn’t quite enthusiastic about swimming, hydrotherapy is another option. Hydrotherapy is essentially a treadmill submerged in a tank half-filled with water. This, of course, can only be done in specialized facilities. But, if you have a dog with extensive joint issues or other mobility problems, hydrotherapy is a great, low-impact exercise that almost any dog can undergo.
Training, Classes, and Sports
If it’s difficult to motivate your dog or they just aren’t very good at following directions, consider a professional trainer. A trainer will teach your dog proper discipline and obedience. They’ll also teach you helpful tricks and techniques you can use with your dog which you can later apply to their workout routine. Additionally, enrolling your dog in a training course, various canine sports or events, or even frequenting dog parks is a great way to promote play in your dog. If your dog plays well with others, exposure to other dogs might just be the encouragement they need to be more active.
Play
Play is an undervalued resource. It’s the most intuitive and easiest to perform. Your dog naturally loves to play, and there’s no shortage of energy. By taking a little time out of each day for a dedicated play session with your dog, you’re promoting healthiness and happiness in their life. Your dog will de-stress, have fun, and form a stronger bond with you. There’s every type of toy for virtually any type of dog, so if your dog doesn’t respond to one, be sure to try another. The key is to keep them as engaged and active as possible. So, any activity or object that promotes that will do.
A great tip is to keep a log to record your dog’s progress. Keep track of their weight gains and weight losses, the time you dedicate to exercise each day, and the various exercises you perform. Doing so will highlight what works and where you need to improve.
But, no matter the approach, remember that consistency is key. If you give up, your dog will be forced to follow suit. The path to good health starts with a mental workout. Don’t be discouraged: weight doesn’t just slide away overnight. If you persevere, your efforts will be eventually rewarded with a happier, healthier, and skinnier dog. Just make sure not to reward them with too many treats.