Pet owners dictate exactly how much kibble goes into those bowls each day — yet the many pets are overweight. Perhaps those sad faces and lingering looks weaken our resolve.
Separate pets during mealtime
“Feed the dogs in separate rooms and tether the one who finishes first,” says Wilson, author of the book “Childproofing Your Dog.” She also suggests tethering the overweight dog during mealtime so it can’t scarf up another dog’s food.
Don’t leave kibble out all day long
Leaving bowls of kibble around for easy access, also known as free-feeding, can be problematic. I learned that the hard way when two pooches visited Lulu and me. Only one dog had free run of the house. (Guess which one packed on the pounds.)
Enjoy additional playtime, but keep it light
It’s tempting to head outside for a few rounds of extreme Frisbee to drop those pounds. But make sure you don’t overdo it with overweight dogs during hot spring and summer months, particularly if the dog is older. Watch for signs of overexposure, such as excessive panting, and keep dogs hydrated. If there is a pet-friendly swimming pool nearby, opt for a few laps to burn calories.
Rough play, and even a simple game of fetch, can be problematic for overweight dogs so take it easy.
Tiptoe through the tulips
Walking burns calories and helps relieve stress for pets and people. Grab a few leashes and take the pack on long walks around the neighborhood.
Practice portion control
Whether it’s a bowl of kibble in the morning or a treat for being good later in the day, monitor your dog’s food consumption. Wilson suggests measuring to ensure consistency. Consult your vet for advice on how much to feed your dog, and visit the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention website for handy tools such as a daily feeding and activity log to track your pet’s caloric intake.
Try interactive toys
Treat-dispensing toys keep pets moving, which burns calories as they work for their reward. Wilson suggests adding high-value treats such as tiny bits of low-fat string cheese to keep overweight pooches engaged during playtime. Slices of apples or carrots also can serve as satisfying rewards. Just be sure to factor in those calories during feeding time.
