How to get your dog to lose weight

A lack of exercise for dogs is one of the leading causes of canine obesity, along with overfeeding. Here are a few tips to help your low-key dog exercise, eat better and shed some excess pounds.

Diet

Once a dog learns to eat a certain way, it can be tough to get back to healthier foods. One of the best steps to take is to wean your dog off of human food if he or she has gotten accustomed to it. While dogs love the flavors, these foods often have a lot more fat than dogs are generally supposed to have – especially foods like cheese that dogs crave. However, this doesn't mean you should cut out all the fat for your dog. Fatty foods are what make canines feel full, so a diet that's all protein will leave your pup feeling hungry all the time. The Whole Dog Journal suggested feeding your dog a diet similar to what he or she is used to, but just using smaller portion sizes and cutting out excess treats. This will make sure that your dog is happy, fed and still able to lose some weight.

Training and exercise

Exercise is one of the easiest things to include in your day with your pet. Even your old dog can learn the new trick of walking in the mornings and evenings. Even if your dog isn't particularly interested in the exercise portion of the walk, the barrage of new smells will likely get your dog out of bed, noted Cesar's Way. Taking your dog to the park is also a great choice – with so many creatures and other dogs leaving their scents everywhere, your pooch is sure to have a good time.

Playing with your dog is another good option. A few rounds of tug-of-war or fetch will help your dog tremendously, though not all dogs like to play. In this case, see if your dog is a fan of taking a swim, or try getting your pet to go for extra-long walks if a healthy treat is involved at the end.

This post is provided by the pet experts at Hartz.