One in 14 dogs in the UK are obese! Experts share tips on how to loose puppy fat to mark National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

As the country struggles to keep their dog’s weight under control dog owners get some handy tips to help their puppies shed the pounds.
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As a nation of dog lovers, we can’t help but indulge our pups but with pet obesity on the rise, a little morsel here and there soon adds up. And if we’re not careful, all those sneaky treats can lead to a podgy pooch.

While many owners use food as a way to shower their dogs with love, it could be doing more harm than good, because overweight dogs are more prone to illnesses and don’t live as long as dogs at an ideal weight

One in 14 dogs in the UK are obese .One in 14 dogs in the UK are obese .
One in 14 dogs in the UK are obese .
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A study from the Royal Veterinary College revealed that more than seven per cent of dogs in the UK are considered overweight or obese.

The three breeds at highest risk of obesity are pug, beagle and golden retriever andthe college has asked owners to be 'especially vigilant' to protect their dogs from piling on weight.

Today marks National Pet Obesity Awareness Day and the team at tails.com have shared their top tips to help you keep your puppy’s trim to mark the day.

Top tips to reduce your dog’s weight

There are 3 key areas to consider when managing your dog’s weight loss in a healthy way.

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Dog diet food – Feeding the right diet for your individual dog is the first important step. Balanced meals packed with nutrients, slow release carbohydrates and beneficial fibre will help your dog feel fuller for longer. It’s also important to control portion sizes and feed the exact amount your dog needs to lose weight steadily, and eventually maintain a healthy weight.

Regular exercise – Exercising your dog every day will help burn off excess calories and keep their body healthy. Alongside the right nutrition and portion sizes, a regular exercise routine will help bring your dog’s weight down steadily and predictably. It also gives your dog something else to focus on during the day, by providing mental stimulation – dogs are a bit like humans, they get peckish when they’re bored!

Limiting treats – We know it’s difficult, but cutting out treats altogether is the best approach for healthy dog weight loss. Or at the very least, limit the number of treats and offer healthier options that aren’t high in fat, sugar or calories. Raw vegetables like carrots and cucumber are a good alternative to human food or shop bought treats.

But there could be a medical cause for your dog’s weight gain too. Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism slow a dog’s metabolism down so they’re no longer burning calories as quickly as they should. Cushing’s disease and other metabolic conditions can also cause weight gain. if your dog is not losing weight or is still gaining despite diet changes, always share your concerns with the vet.

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