10 tips for weight loss in dogs

• Weigh your dog regularly.

• Attend a weight loss clinic at your local veterinary surgery.  There is nothing like a bit of competition to aid achievement

• Weigh the recommended amount of food carefully or ask your vet for a special measuring cup.  Stick to that amount and if you feed titbits during the day reduce the amount of mealtime food accordingly, i.e.  if treats add up to 10% of your dogs calorie intake, then remove 10% of his food

• Substitute treat-feeding with a tummy tickle or a game.  Your dog will enjoy this just as much as food.

• Try replacing high cal treats with veg or fruit (not citrus).  Some dogs really love carrots!

• Increase exercise by a few minutes a day at first, then once the dog is used to more exercise you can increase the length of exercise again.

• Write down everything that your dog gets to eat in a day and make sure all the family members note down what they are feeding the dog.  You will soon find out where the extra calories are coming from and will be able to cut down accordingly.

• Make sure your dog is not scavenging when out on his walk

• Make sure that visitors and friends you meet while on your walk are not slipping your dog extra treats

• Draw a graph of your dog’s weight loss as it happens with the target weight clearly marked.  Seeing your dog’s progress will give incentive for you to continue his weight loss regime.