Page 23 - Dog-Harmony Life Summer 2021 V3Q2

We recommend that you weigh the food to make
this as accurate as possible. Feeding only a few extra
grams a day, especially for a small dog, adds up over
time and can result in over feeding.
It is also important that you reduce the amount of
food at your dog’s meal time if you have given treats
between feeds to avoid over feeding. Try taking a
portion of the daily food and use this as the treat
instead of giving a separate treat for training. This way
you know you are giving top quality treats and you can
control the total daily caloric intake more easily.
If your dog is severely overweight, however, it’s
important to reduce their food intake slowly, in very
small increments. Don’t just jump straight to the
quantity recommended for their ideal weight, as this
can be dangerous for their health.
Tip: when calculating your dog’s daily food
intake, remember to account for everything they eat
(including special treats and training rewards), as
calories add up quickly!

GET MOVING
Diet is a huge factor in weight management, but
it’s not the only factor. A lack of physical activity also
leads to weight gain.
Different dogs have different exercise needs, so it’s
worth doing your research and speaking with your
vet for guidance. But, the most important thing is to
prioritize exercise every day. Whether it’s playing
fetch, running, or chasing a frisbee, find ways to make
exercise a fun part of your daily routine. Physical
activity isn’t just great to help with weight loss, it’s
important for your dog’s overall health and happiness,
too.
There are going to be days when life takes over, and
despite your best efforts, your furry friend doesn’t
get a chance to run around. But this is where you can
get creative! Whether it’s a puppy play date, a quick
run around the neighborhood before work or even
dropping them off at doggie daycare, your dog will be
much happier and healthier with regular exercise.
Helping your canine companion lose weight
requires a few lifestyle and diet changes, but if you
commit to the journey, it’s one you and your dog will
really enjoy. A healthy weight and body composition
for them means less stress, worry, and vet bills for you.
It’s a win-win!

www.dog-harmony.org • dog-harmony life 21