Wondering If Your Dog Is Overweight? #PerfectWeight

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight 10 Week Turnaround, but Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

I'm helping Hill's Science Diet® spread the word about a common problem for dogs; being overweight or obese.  Many people don't notice or care when their dog begins to gain weight.  Sometimes they even think it's cute "Oh, look at that cute pudgy dog!".  But overweight pets aren't funny or cute.  In fact being overweight can lead to serious health problems in pets.  Once your dog begins gaining too much weight it may become difficult for her to exercise, which will make her not want to go for walks or do some of the other active things she used to enjoy, leading to even more weight gain. 


 


Being overweight for a dog is just as much a concern as it is for a human.  Did you know that over 50% of pets in the U.S. are classified as being overweight?  That's a startling statistic!  To help pet parents manage their dogs' weight, Hill's has introduced a new dog food.  Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight is a dog food for weight loss that can help you achieve your dog weight loss goals and get your dog to their perfect weight!  Learn the benefits of Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food and take the Science Diet 10 Week Perfect Weight Turnaround Challenge!






Angel is clearly overweight and had a hard time just going for a short walk

Angel is an adorable Chihuahua.  Her owner had health issues and could no longer care for her, so Angel was surrendered to a rescue organization.  I hope Angel finds a loving home soon, with an owner that will address her weight issue before she develops other health problems.

If you're wondering whether or not your dog might be carrying too much weight, have a conversation with your Veterinarian.  Your Veterinarian can tell you what your dog's ideal weight should be and begin monitoring her weight.  Visit your Veterinarian at least once a year, every six months if your dog is very young or if she is an older dog so you can monitor her weight as she grows and changes.  This will help avoid serious health problems associated with dogs being overweight.

If your dog needs to shed some pounds, try Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food.  To help your dog slim down for a healthier life, Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight contains:


> A breakthrough blend of natural ingredients

> Prebiotic fibers for gentle digestion

> 100% precisely balanced nutrition



My dogs' health and wellness are always a priority for me.  My dogs get weighed at the Vet twice a year and fortunately, they have both always gotten high marks for being at their ideal weight.  If only I could get to my ideal weight, I'd be a happy Pet Mama!  Losing weight is never easy, for people or pets.  Diet and exercise are key components to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.  It's up to us to ensure our dogs eat healthy food, get plenty of exercise, and have their weight monitored by their Veterinarian to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

Look Ma!  I'm at my ideal healthy weight of 50 lbs

If your pet starts to gain too much weight, it's important to address the issue sooner rather than later, before it causes serious health issues.  Just a few pounds of weight gain on a dog can equate to a high percentage of their body weight.  To put things into perspective, Phoebe weighs 11 lbs, an optimal weight for her.  If she were to gain just 5 lbs, that would be 45% of her total body weight!  That's the same as a 150 lb person gaining 67 lbs!  If you gained 67 lbs wouldn't you be concerned?  If your 11 lb dog gained 5 lbs  you should be just as concerned.  On a small or toy breed of dog, gaining 3- 5 lbs can have a significant impact on the dog's health.  40% of dogs fall into the small or toy sized breed category.

To help avoid over feeding your dog:

** Measure your dog's food each time you feed them

** Choose an age and size appropriate diet. Puppies need more energy and fat for their growing bodies, small and toy breeds need more nutrition packed into a much smaller meal.  Senior spayed and neutered animals need less calories and fat


Long walks and hiking are two of my dogs' favorite activities!

Talk to your Veterinarian about increasing your dog's daily exercise routine little by little, being careful not to overdo it:

** Play some fun games inside the house like Find the Toy or Fetch

** Go just a little further in your regular walks each day

Many of my readers have said that one of their New Year's resolutions was for their dog to slim down and take off some extra pounds.  Now is the perfect time to start a new diet and exercise routine, if you haven't already.  Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight can help you achieve your pet weight loss goals!  Take the Science Diet Perfect Weight 10 Week Turnaround Challenge to help your dog slim down.  A healthy weight adds to your dog's quality of life and life expectancy!


Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food is available in Adult sizes, and a new breakthrough nutrition formula for Small and Toy breed dogs to help smaller dogs achieve a healthy weight and improve quality of life.  The small/toy dog breed bags of food are available in 4 lb or 15 lb sizes.  Adult bags of food are available in 4 lb, 15 lb, or 30 lb sizes.

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight pet weight loss food is available in your Veterinarian's office or at your favorite pet specialty store or online pet supply sites.



22 comments:

M. K. Clinton said...

It is so easy to let the pounds creep up on both of us! Bentley has lost five pounds since November and feels terrific. He asks for walks each day and our vet said a couple of more pounds and he'll be at his ideal weight. We love Hill's and use it in our regular rotation of foods!

Unknown said...

Great post Cathy! My Mika has gained a few extra pounds, we have been working on getting out more for walks and hikes as well.
I am loving the sound of this 1 week turn around and look forwards to hearing more info!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Congrats on Bentley doing so great on his weight loss plan, that's wonderful! I'm glad Hill's is working so well for you! Thanks for stopping by M.K.!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Thank you Jenna! I think most dogs gain a few pounds over the Winter - who doesn't, actually?! I really like the idea of a 10 week turnaround challenge too, it's a good way to start a healthy plan and gauge the results in just 10 weeks. Thanks for stopping by Jenna!

The Island Cats said...

The mom is always watching our weight making sure we don't get fat...much to our dismay. Because we love to eat! :)

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I know what you mean, eating is Fun but we have to do it in moderation & watch that fat & calorie intake. Thanks for stopping by today!

Anonymous said...

It is really smart of pet owners to be concerned for their pets' weight. We have this weird culture that somehow equates food and love when it comes to pets. There are so many other ways to express your love for your pets.

AmyShojai said...

Good information, and something I need to do better. For myself and my pets!

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed your post. Your husky is beautiful and looks so happy!

Lara Elizabeth said...

I see so many overweight pets out and about and in groups I belong to, and I think it's so important to raise awareness. Even though I am really conscious about my pets' body condition, Boca sneaked on a couple of extra pounds this winter. We are trying to exercise more and feed smaller meals.

Unknown said...

Pounds creep up on all of us; it's definitely something I'm aware of especially after Laika got a little chubby last year. Luckily it was easily remedied by changing her daily caloric intake but yeah - I didn't realize it while it was happening.

Unknown said...

The pounds can easily creep up. I made a vow when we got Charlie that if I was going to exercise, they were too. Before I allow myself to settle in for the night or go to the gym they go on their walks!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing information about pet obesity. Our cat Rhette is doing the 10 week turnaround challenge but you can't walk him! Mom is hoping that a cat on a diet does better than her! Love Dolly

Ruth Cox aka abitosunshine said...

My dog has gained a few pounds since being neutered and with a whole lot of rain we've walked a bit less. Guess what--I'm gaining too! So it's time for us to get back into walking a bit faster and farther.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

You are SO right! We do equate love and food when it comes to pets - we should change that up for affection, toys & games! Thanks for stopping by today!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I am so much better at managing my dogs' eating than my own! I'm trying to change that now. Thanks for stopping by Amy!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Thank you so much! She is definitely a happy girl, kind of spoiled, but she's a good girl! Thanks for visiting us on the blog today!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I know, it's amazing how many pudgy pets there are, especially the smaller dogs. I think weight creeps up on them so easily & just a few lbs is a lot. It's hard to maintain weight over the Winter, w/ such lousy weather it's hard to get outside for walks & play. Thanks for stopping by Lara!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It happens so fast, doesn't it!? And it only takes a few pounds for a dog to have an effect. I'm glad you were able to action Laika's weight gain quickly and get her back on track. Thanks for stopping by today, Jen!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Yes, the pounds do creep up easily. That's a great plan to have them exercise along with you, and take them on walks before settling in for the night. Thanks for stopping by today!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm glad Rhette is taking the challenge! Even if he can't go on walks, playtime in the house can be great exercise. I know what you mean about the diets, I'm much better at watching my dogs' diets than my own! Thanks for visiting us today dolly!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I hear ya! I need to do the same, get moving a lot more - and I'm using my dogs to do it! They always want exercise so they motivate me. Thanks for stopping by today Ruth!

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