Being overweight makes dogs more susceptible to joint pain, diabetes, and can even shorten their lifespan. When you have a small breed dog, like a chihuahua or Yorkie, even a small weight gain of a couple of pounds can have a big impact on their overall health. Unfortunately, smaller pups can gain extra weight quickly if you don't keep an eye on it. Here are a few tips for making sure your small dog stays at a healthy weight.
1. Feed High-Quality Food
The best way to keep your dog's weight under control is to feed them the proper amount of a high-quality dog food. Lower quality foods tend to have fillers and additives that can lead to weight gain. A high-quality food that's rich in protein will fill your dog up and give them energy even when feeding them a smaller amount. Research different types of dog food online and once you decide on a brand, be sure to follow the feeding instructions based on your pup's weight.
2. Be Cautious With People Food
Regularly giving your dog table scraps, especially if it's more than a tiny bite, can quickly lead to a small dog packing on the pounds. It is okay to supplement your dog's food with small amounts of human food that are good for them, such as an occasional egg or bit of chicken liver. When you give your dog a bit of people food, it is important to take the extra calories into account when feeding them their next meal. If you give your dog less dog food that day to make up for it, a little bit of healthy dog-safe food from your own dinner is usually okay.
3. Small Dogs Need Exercise, Too!
While they may not need as much exercise as large sporting breeds, small dogs need daily exercise. Going for a long walk every day keeps your dog's weight under control and even boosts their mood in the same way that exercise makes people feel great. If your dog is already overweight, adding a bit more exercise to your daily routine can help them shed a few pounds, which in turn will reduce the extra pressure on their joints. Swimming, hiking, and agility courses are also great ways for dogs of all sizes to get exercise.
Following the advice of your vet and these tips will help keep your small pup at a weight that contributes to their comfort and health. For more information, contact your local veterinarian.
Share