- 3 months ago
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AnimalsTranscript
00:00living with a dog means taking full responsibility for its health happiness and longevity one of the
00:09biggest challenges owners face today is maintaining proper nutrition and preventing obesity studies
00:15show that over half of dogs in the united states are overweight putting them at higher risk for
00:20joint problems diabetes heart disease and shortened lifespans in this video we'll uncover
00:27seven proven strategies for balanced nutrition and weight control that every dog owner should know
00:32before we dive in remember that your choices directly shape your dog's future every meal treat
00:37and portion size can either protect or harm your companion's well-being the good news is that even
00:42small adjustments can create lasting results stay with us as we reveal how to keep your dog fit
00:47healthy and full of life don't forget to like this video subscribe to dog care academy turn on the
00:53notification bell and share this with fellow dog lovers the first step in weight management is
00:59identifying your dog's ideal weight and body condition score veterinarians often use a scale
01:04from one to nine where four to five indicates a healthy body condition you should be able to feel
01:09your dog's ribs without excess fat covering and their waist should be visible from above understanding
01:15this baseline ensures that you have a target to aim for without a clear goal it's nearly impossible to
01:21measure success owners must also learn to recognize signs of weight problems early if your dog struggles
01:26to walk long distances pants excessively after mild exercise or loses energy quickly they may be
01:32carrying extra weight other indicators include difficulty jumping on furniture or climbing stairs
01:37catching these signs before they escalate allows you to intervene sooner weight issues are not simply
01:42cosmetic they are medical conditions that compromise quality of life and shorten lifespans significantly
01:48the second point is switching to a weight management diet when needed these specially formulated foods
01:54provide fewer calories while still delivering essential nutrients they often contain higher levels of fiber
02:00which helps dogs feel fuller for longer reducing begging and scavenging many brands also add additional
02:06protein to maintain muscle mass during weight loss choosing a diet designed for weight control prevents
02:11nutritional deficiencies while promoting steady safe fat reduction for your dog not all dog foods are
02:17created equal regular kibble may be too calorie dense for an overweight pet even in small portions
02:22always consult your veterinarian before making diet changes since age breed and health conditions play
02:29major roles in what food is best transition to a weight management diet gradually over 7 to 10 days to
02:35avoid gastrointestinal upset slow careful adjustments make it easier for your dog to adapt while minimizing
02:41resistance to new foods the third key strategy is precise portion control many owners scoop food without
02:54measuring unintentionally giving their dogs more than they need using a kitchen scale or a standardized
02:59measuring cup ensures accuracy pet food labels often overestimate portion sizes so rely on your vet's
03:05guidance instead of packaging alone small daily over feeds accumulate quickly leading to pounds of extra weight
03:11exact portion control is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent obesity consistency
03:17matters just as much as precision feeding your dog at the same times each day prevents overfeeding and
03:22helps regulate metabolism avoid the habit of free feeding where food is left out all day as this often
03:28leads to overeating structured meal times with carefully measured amounts not only protect your dog's
03:34waistline but also create predictable routines that reduce stress and improve digestion dogs thrive on
03:40consistency both in care and in nutrition the fourth strategy is to limit treats and table scraps while
03:47rewarding your dog is important many treats are calorie dense and can quickly sabotage weight goals
03:53veterinarians recommend keeping treats under 10 of your dog's daily caloric intake instead of high fat
03:59snacks choose healthier options like carrot sticks apple slices or low calorie training treats limiting table scraps is equally
04:07crucial as human food often contains harmful ingredients and far more calories than dogs require it's important
04:13to remember that dogs don't measure love in food many owners overfeed because they believe it makes their dog happy but
04:20affection play and time together are far more valuable by reducing treats and avoiding human food you protect
04:27your dog from digestive problems pancreatitis and unhealthy weight gain setting clear boundaries with food ensures your dog learns to
04:35associate love with attention and care not constant feeding or indulgence or the fifth point involves adding
04:41volumizers like vegetables and water to meals dogs often crave volume in their food and reducing portion sizes can
04:48leave them unsatisfied by adding low calorie vegetables such as green beans zucchini or pumpkin you can increase the
04:55size of meals without adding significant calories mixing in water or low sodium broth can also help create a sense of fullness these
05:03simple tricks make diets easier for dogs to accept and sustain long term vegetables also provide important vitamins and
05:10fiber that support digestion they can be offered steamed pureed or raw depending on what your dog tolerates always introduce new
05:19ingredients slowly to avoid stomach upset avoid toxic foods like onions grapes and garlic when used correctly volumizers reduce
05:27begging behavior improve satiety and help dogs stay consistent with their weight loss or maintenance
05:34programs this approach transforms mealtimes into healthy satisfying experiences that contribute to overall
05:40wellness the sixth key factor is increasing physical activity diet alone is rarely enough to keep dogs healthy
05:47exercise burns calories maintains muscle tone and improves mood daily walks fetch sessions agility training or even short play
05:55breaks throughout the day contribute significantly to weight control the amount of exercise should be adjusted to
06:00your dog's breed and age a young labrador may need an hour of running while a senior pug may do best with gentle
06:06strolls exercise doesn't just burn calories it enriches your dog's life mental stimulation through sniffing exploring and
06:14interactive games reduces stress and prevents destructive behaviors pairing physical and mental exercise creates a balanced
06:21lifestyle for overweight dogs begin gradually to avoid joint strain start with short walks and low impact
06:27activities increasing duration and intensity over time exercise is medicine for dogs improving both their
06:33physical health and emotional resilience while strengthening your bond together the seventh and final strategy is
06:39monitoring progress and adjusting as needed weight control is not a one-time fix but an ongoing process
06:45weight your dog regularly ideally every two to four weeks and record results use body condition scoring to track visible
06:53changes if progress stalls revisit portion sizes treat limits or activity levels sometimes even small adjustments can restart
07:01weight loss regular monitoring ensures that your dog continues on the path to a healthy weight
07:06veterinary guidance is essential during this process only a professional can determine if your dog has underlying conditions such as
07:14hypothyroidism or arthritis that complicate weight management your veterinarian can also recommend
07:20specialized diets or supplements tailored to your pet's needs committing to regular check-ins guarantees that
07:27your plan is safe effective and sustainable together you and your vet can provide the support your dog needs for lasting
07:34health improvements maintaining weight loss is as important as achieving it once your dog reaches the ideal weight
07:41resist the urge to relax portion controls or reintroduce old habits
07:46continue measuring meals monitoring treats and maintaining activity levels
07:50owners who stay consistent protect their dogs from regaining lost weight
07:54remember obesity is not cured once but managed for life
07:58a healthy routine prevents backsliding and ensures that your dog's progress is permanent
08:02consistency is the ultimate secret to success
08:05by applying these seven strategies
08:07you ensure that your dog lives not only longer but also happier balanced nutrition
08:12portion control healthy treats volumizers exercise and ongoing monitoring create a complete system
08:18for weight management each step builds on the other providing your dog with the foundation for energy
08:24mobility and joy the effort you put in today will pay off for years to come rewarding you with a
08:30healthier more vibrant companion dogs depend on us to make the right choices for them
08:36they don't understand calories scales or portion sizes but they trust us with their lives when we
08:41commit to feeding them responsibly and ensuring they stay active we honor that trust by protecting
08:47their health through mindful nutrition and exercise we show the deepest form of love
08:52don't forget to like this video subscribe to dog care academy turn on the notification bell
08:57and share it with others who want healthier happier dogs
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