Top Activities For Dog With Obesity

Introduction

All those cute puppy rolls and that belly like jelly may actually indicate that your dog is obese. If you have been told by your vet that your pup is overweight, you may be looking for new activities you can do with your dog that will help with their weight issue. While running and walking with your dog is a great idea, there are other, super fun ways to play and exercise your obese dog! A combination of a healthy diet and regular activity will enable your pup to get in tip-top shape.

Homemade Dog Treats

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

20 min

Items needed

Pet Friendly Ingredients

recipes

chefs knife

cookie cutters

rolling pin

Activity description

Obesity in dogs is very similar to obesity in humans - it is primarily caused by overeating and not enough exercise (and possibly a genetic issue). So, one way to help turn your dog's obesity around is to take a look at the treats and dog food you are feeding them. Some dog treats may be similar to human junk food - full of fats, salt, and unhealthy additives. However, everyone loves giving their pet a treat now and then and you may not necessarily want to stop! Instead of just ditching the treats, why not make your own, healthy dog food treats?! This way, you can reward your dog and feel good about giving them a tasty, healthy treat that won't add to their obesity.

Step

1

Check your treats

Do a little research on the type of treats you are currently giving your pup. Treats that have real, whole meat at the top of the ingredient list are a good choice. Any treat that has a high number of calories, added sugar or dairy (which can make dogs gassy and bloated) may want to be skipped.

Step

2

Recipe search

While you are researching, look up recipes for healthy dog treats. You can easily find recipes online for peanut butter bones or sweet potato crackers that you can mix up and bake for your pup. Also look for treats that require no cooking such as carrot sticks or dried apricots.

Step

3

Treat tester

Make a few treats for your pup and let them do a taste test. See which treats your dog sniffs and rejects and which ones make them go crazy, begging for more! Stick with the healthy treats that make your dog's tail wag and, of course, don't overdo it! One or two treats at a time will make your obese pup perfectly happy!

Outdoor Day

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

4 hrs

Items needed

Ball

Treats

Picnic Blanket

Water

Collar

Leash

Activity description

It is easy to gain weight when you just hang out inside all day, lounging around. After all, who can resist that comfy couch or pillowy dog bed? The easiest way to prevent laziness which can lead to obesity is to get outside and stay there all day! There is so much to see, do and sniff outside that your dog won't possibly want to sit down. Grab a travel bowl of water and your dog's leash and get ready to spend the entire day outside! Oh, and don't forget to make sure your dog is comfortable (no one wants an overheated pup on their hands!).

Step

1

Walk first

Begin by heading out for a walk. You don't have to go very far, just being on the leash and moving around is good enough! Obese dogs may also not be able to physically walk very far so start off slow, just let your pup stretch those legs, sniff around outside and get some fresh air.

Step

2

Park picnic

Walk or drive over to a park where you can let your pup run off the leash. Bring a picnic blanket and bring a snack for you and your dog to share. Even if you are both just hanging out on a blanket, you will be more awake and active than if you were glued to the couch at home! Play fetch with your dog, walk them around the park and just enjoy the sunshine.

Step

3

Swim and splash

Head to your local swimming hole and let your obese dog go for a swim. This is an especially good activity for dogs whose weight may put undue pressure on their joints. Swimming is easy on a dog's legs and is also a great form of exercise. A walk, park time and a swim? That obese dog is going to be super happy and tired after this fun-filled day!

Indoor Play Stations

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Activity description

You don't necessarily need to get outside to make sure your dog is getting proper exercise. In fact, there are plenty of ways your dog can get moving and work off some of that weight while inside in the house. Setting up a few areas or stations where a dog can actively play inside is a great idea and is not dependant on weather. You can customize the play stations according to what your dog likes best and you can also rotate the stations as they get bored. This is an endless way to keep your dog occupied and busy to help curb their weight problem.

Step

1

Favorite games

Begin by making a list of your dog's absolute favorite games. Does your pup love puzzle toys? Are they a fan of playing catch? Or maybe tug of war is your dog's favorite game. Whatever the game, write it down (even if it is primarily an outdoor activity - you can make it work inside too!).

Step

2

Set up

Pick a room or section of your house where you can set up activities for your dog. Tie a rope around a sturdy table for the tug of war station, hide a few treats under plastic solo cups for a game of find the treat and look into an automatic ball thrower for those dogs who are into fetch. Or, simply put your dog's favorite bone on a blanket where they can hang out and chew all day (chewing is still being active!).

Step

3

Train your pup

Show your dog the area you have created - their gaming room! Play with your dog and teach them how to use each "station". Watch as they try to flip the solo cups and search for the treats and help them figure out how to tug on the rope all by themselves. Once your dog gets excited about their play area, they will be able to play and be active all on their own! Independent activity is the best for obese dogs.

More Fun Ideas...

Treadmill

Even a dog can benefit from running or walking on a treadmill! Teach your dog to go for a run indoors on a treadmill and their excess weight will fly right off.

Backpack Walks

Before you head out for a walk with your pup, equip them with a doggy backpack. The added weight will help them tackle their obesity problem by making a simple walk even more of a challenge.

Conclusion

An obese dog does not have to be a sedentary dog. In fact, obesity is even more of a reason to interact with your dog and encourage exercise and healthy eating habits. Your obese pup needs your help before they incur any serious health problems! Now is the time to get more involved in your pup's day to day life and have fun while doing it. These activities are a perfect place to start for your obese dog.