Is your pup looking more thick around the middle? It’s not easy to admit when our dogs pack on pounds, but extra weight is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can actually have a negative impact on your dog’s long-term wellbeing.
Obese dogs are more prone to injuries and health problems, so it’s imperative to get your chubby, couch-bound best friend moving. That said, Krista Wickens, a certified canine fitness trainer and FitPAWS master trainer, cautions that not all weight issues are due to overfeeding and could stem from thyroid issues, undiagnosed disease or an injury. Before beginning any weight-loss program, visit your veterinarian for a wellness check to ensure that your dog isn’t dealing with an undiagnosed health problem.
Finding the Right Exercise for Your Dog
Once your dog has received the all-clear from your veterinarian, it’s tempting to throw on your running shoes, leash up your dog and head to the track to log a few miles. However, Wickens suggests that pet parents consider a few important factors before beginning an exercise program:
Your Dog’s Age – “Puppies, seniors and adult dogs have certain physiological differences that must be considered,” Wickens says. “For instance, seniors with arthritis or joint issues may need to keep sessions shorter to avoid over exercising that can cause more soreness.”
Current Activity Level – Pet parents should ease their overweight dog into a fitness program to minimize the chance of injury.
Breed – Wickens says that pet parents should consider their dog’s strengths as a breed when formulating an exercise program. “A Pug is not an ideal running partner,” she says.
Environment – Think about where you’ll be working out with your dog, including the temperature, what’s beneath your dog’s paws and how distracting the surrounding area might be. “How you manage the external environment goes a long way in keeping your dog safe and healthy,” Wickens says.
Even the most seasoned athletes require time to ramp up to exercise and cool down afterwards, and it’s especially true for couch potato dogs. For example, if you plan to add faster walks to your dog’s routine, you should bookend the workout portion of the walk with a leisurely warm up and cool down pace.
Get Moving: Gentle Exercises for Overweight Dogs
It’s tough to get your dog’s heart rate up when the weather outside is frightful but setting up a modified indoor dog agility course can do the trick! Dedicate each room to a different obstacle and spend time teaching your dog how to navigate them. For example, use two kitchen chairs with a blanket draped over them to create a tunnel, put a broom on top of two upside down laundry baskets to make a low jump and then teach your dog to hop up onto an ottoman for a five second breather before you start the obstacle course again. Once your dog figures out the individual obstacles, lead him through the whole course!
Wickens also recommends scent work, which can be played indoors or outside by dogs of all ages and abilities, as a great exercise option for overweight dogs. Hide low calorie treats, part of your daily dog’s kibble ration or your dog’s toys around the area, then encourage your dog to use his sense of smell to find them. Scent work is a creative game that engages a dog’s body and brain and is a fantastic way to get your pup moving at a safe pace.
Exercise Considerations for Senior Dogs
If your senior dog is overweight, you’ll want to be mindful of aging joints and the pressure of extra weight and try to avoid any exercise that includes prolonged exertion, sudden starts and stops or jumping. Short vigorous walks are a great choice for seniors if you choose your route carefully during the initial stages of the workout plan. Stick with flat paths as your dog begins his fitness journey and save challenging slopes for when he’s getting closer to his goal weight.
Finally, humans are taught to push workouts until they hurt, but that shouldn’t be the case for our furry best friends. Listen to your dog if he opts out of an exercise, as he might be coping with pain or strain. It’s best to stick with exercises that gradually tackle extra pounds rather than trying to push your pup from zero to hero.