Bone And Joint Problems
Twenty-five percent of obese dogs develop bone and joint problems at some point in their lives. Just like in humans, added weight to joints, tendons and ligaments will wear them down quickly and your pup will lose mobility, which leads to additional weight gain. Arthritis and hip dysplasia can develop over time and cause unwanted pain and suffering.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Overweight
There are several ways to check if your dog is overweight. If you can no longer feel your dogs ribs when you touch their chest, this is a good sign that your dog is overweight, or maybe even obese.
You can also use the Body Condition Score Chart below or our dog BMI calculator to check if your dogs weight falls within a healthy range.
Finally, your vet will be able to tell if you if your dog is overweight, how much they should ideally weigh, and recommend a plan for weight loss that is specific to your dogs needs.
How Can I Get My Dog To Lose Weight
Have you been frustrated because your dog doesnt lose weight, no matter what you do? Obesity in dogs is one of the biggest health concerns that veterinarians and pet guardians battle.
Sometimes, when it comes to weight loss for dogs, the answer is easy: reduce calories, increase exercise, and BOOMthe pounds come off. Other times, it isnt so simple.
If you have had your dog on the diet train and nothing is moving, try these five veterinarian-approved recommendations to tip the scales back toward a healthy weight.
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How Long Will My Dog Need To Be On A Diet
Most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to eight months. If the process is taking longer than this, something needs to be changed. A healthy weight loss is between one to five pounds per month based on your dog’s size and current condition. Some dogs may need to go slower while others may shed the pounds more quickly.
For most dogs, the secret to weight loss is a dedicated, committed, and concerned family. Dogs do not understand that their excess weight is causing them harm. It is up to us as good stewards to protect them from harm and not inadvertently contribute to their premature death or development of debilitating diseases. Together, you and your veterinary healthcare team can help your dog achieve a healthy body weight and condition safely and successfully.
| Contributors: Krista Williams, BSc, DVM Ernest Ward, DVM |
Health Conditions Impacting Your Dogs Weight
There are, of course, some medical conditions that could negatively impact your Golden Retrievers weight. Cushings disease is a disorder impacting the adrenal glands, causing the overproduction of glucocorticoids. Dogs being treated for Cushings are often given steroids, which makes them extra hungry. The increased appetite may lead to uncontrollable weight gain, swelling, and excessive thirst.
While weight gain can be a cause of canine diabetes, it can also be a symptom of uncontrolled blood sugars. Dogs struggling with stress and anxiety tend to eat more, as do dogs who are having thyroid issues. Even medications for unrelated conditions can cause weight gain. In the case of female dogs, especially when they have yet to be spayed, its important to determine whether or not weight gain is associated with pregnancy.
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How Much Should A 4
The average weight of a 4-month-old female Golden Retriever is 31.9 lbs .
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old female Golden Retriever is from 28.6 lbs to 35.2 lbs .
The average weight of a 4-month-old male Golden Retriever is 35.5 lbs .
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old male Golden Retriever is from 33.6 lbs to 37.4 lbs .
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 4-month-old female Golden Retrievers can normally weigh as low as 10.2 lbs and as high as 35.4 lbs
Correspondingly, 4-month-old male Golden Retrievers can normally weigh as low as 10.0 lbs and as high as 38.8 lbs
Golden Retriever Growth Stages
Your Golden Retriever will go through a number of developmental stages on its journey to adulthood. Your Golden Retriever`s growth pattern can be categorized into 6 distinct stages: Neonatal, Transitional, Socialization Period, Juvenile Period, Adolescent Period, and Maturity.
You can know the developmental stage of your Golden Retriever based on how old your Golden Retriever is.
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How Much Should A 6
The average weight of a 6-month-old female Golden Retriever is 44.6 lbs .
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old female Golden Retriever is from 39.9 lbs to 49.4 lbs .
The average weight of a 6-month-old male Golden Retriever is 49.6 lbs .
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old male Golden Retriever is from 46.9 lbs to 52.3 lbs .
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 6-month-old female Golden Retrievers can normally weigh as low as 16.5 lbs and as high as 51.0 lbs
Correspondingly, 6-month-old male Golden Retrievers can normally weigh as low as 17.5 lbs and as high as 56.2 lbs
Does Walking A Dog Help Them Lose Weight
Yes, in addition to veterinarian-recommended dietary changes, it is very important to walk your dog to help them lose weight. You should try to walk your dog for atleast 30 minutes every day.
If your dog is severely overweight, then youll want to take walks slow and follow their cues by listening to their breathing. If your dogs breathing becomes too labored, slow down or take a rest. Go at their pace and build up to 30-minute walks.
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Reduce Your Dogs Food Portion Size
Instead of making drastic changes all at once, cut your dogs food back by about five percent and feed that slightly smaller amount for a week or two. This reduction is about 1 ounce per pound or 1/8 cup per two cups of food. Weigh your dog today and again in one or two weeks. If she doesnt lose weight, reduce the food by another five percent and continue at that amount for one to two weeks. Keep gradually reducing the amount of food until your dog begins to lose weight, then continue feeding that amount.
This strategy helps because reducing the amount of food too suddenly will change your dogs metabolism, making it harder to lose weight and easier to gain it back. Slow, steady weight loss is more likely to result in long-term success.
If you switch to a food thats considerably higher in protein and fat than your current food, cut the quantity by up to one-third, as foods that are more nutrient dense will provide more calories in smaller portions. Even though the total amount your dog receives is less than before, he may be more satisfied.
Feeding smaller portions more often will help your dog feel less hungry. Replace some dry food with canned or fresh, high-protein food so he thinks hes getting something special. Put his meals in a Kong, Buster Cube, or other food-dispensing toy so he has to work for them, leaving him feeling more satisfied. Freeze his wet food, or dry food mixed with nonfat yogurt, in a Kong toy to make a meal last even longer.
What Makes A Great Diet
A great diet is one that is healthy and well balanced. It should be tailored to your needs and lifestyle. This is one of the reasons why meal plans and weight loss programs are so popular. One of the more popular diets that have been recently popularized is the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet consists of low carbohydrate intake and high fat intake. It is based on research and testing that showed that people who followed this type of diet had better outcomes in terms of weight loss, energy, and overall health. It consists of eating a lot of protein, healthy fats, and very few carbs. The diet consists of foods like pork, duck, steak, turkey, sausage, bacon, eggs, beef, fatty fish, avocados, and butter. It is recommended that you avoid fruits, vegetables, grains, and processed foods. It is also recommended that you limit alcohol consumption, and that you eat more of the foods that you would normally eat.
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What Can You Do To Lose Weight
If you have tried everything to lose weight and you are still not successful, it may be time to consider a different approach. The best approach is to focus on the food that you eat, rather than any particular exercise plan. You need to watch what you eat, not just lose weight. This means losing weight does not have to be a difficult process, but a lifestyle change. Start by cutting out the unhealthy foods from your diet, and replace them with more healthy options. There are no quick fixes or overnight miracles. But the slow and steady approach to weight loss is the one that works. You should continue to exercise regularly, but also get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water, and manage stress. Your lifestyle will have a bigger impact on your weight than anything else you can do.
Healthy Weight Management Tips For Your Golden
TheGolden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.Unfortunately, this awesome dog breed is prone to becoming obese. To make surethat your Golden stays healthy, fit and lives a long life, here are some tipson what you can do to prevent your Golden Retriever from becomingoverweight.
Ifyou were to ask your Golden if he wanted a treat, he would answer yes everysingle time! Without a doubt, the friendly Golden Retriever always enjoys hisfood. Today, obesity is one of the biggest problems most dog breeds face. Butlets start with the basics! Pet obesity is our fault as well. As pet parentswe often give in and spoil our dogs with plenty of treats and dinner tidbits.
GoldenRetrievers have it down to pat when it comes to begging! Yet all those tidbitsmay just be contributing to your Golden Retrievers weight gain! Andunfortunately for this dog breed in particular, theres a spectrum of healthissues that are directly caused or made worse by excessive weight gain orobesity. So what should you do if you feel that your Golden is a tad on theheavy side?
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Make Your Dogs Weight Loss A Family Project
Measuring everything and writing it in your dogs diet book or food log helps family members realize just how much the dog is eating. Feeding a small dinner wont help if Fido is getting breakfast leftovers, afternoon snacks, and training treats all day. Discuss the diet plan with everyone who feeds your dog and get their cooperation. You can give each family member a specific number of small training treats to reward the dog with, and encourage everyone to focus on games, walks, playing fetch, and favorite activities as calorie-free rewards that will keep your dog motivated.
More Resources To Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Whether you have a Cocker Spaniel or any breed of dog, including mutts, there are a variety of Dr. Harveys diets that can help in your dogs weight loss, weight maintenance, and various health needs. Here are some articles we wrote to help your dog on his or her weight loss journey to good health and longevity:
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The Head Comes Last In Dog Bathing Tips
Last but not least, wash his head. Put cotton balls in his ears to keep out excess water, then carefully wet down his head. Put some shampoo on your fingers and apply gently to his skull, ears and muzzle. Keep soap away from his eyes.
Another dog bathing tip is to apply a bit of shampoo to a washcloth and use that to gently wash his head, ears and face.
What Ingredients Are In Dr Harveys Healthy Weight Dog Food
Chicken recipe: Chicken, Egg, Carrots, Sweet Potato, Oats, Broccoli, Green Beans, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Cabbage, Chia Seeds, Celery, Kelp, Barley, Tricalcium Phosphate, Apple, Blueberries, Turmeric, Ginger, Green Lipped Mussel, Cinnamon, Dandelion, Fennel, Inulin, Eggshell, Oyster, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Nicotinic Acid, Manganese Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Acetate, Selenium Yeast, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Quercetin, Bromelain, Papain
Beef recipe: Beef, Egg, Carrots, Sweet Potato, Oats, Broccoli, Green Beans, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Cabbage, Chia Seeds, Celery, Kelp, Barley, Tricalcium Phosphate, Apple, Blueberries, Turmeric, Ginger, Green Lipped Mussel, Cinnamon, Dandelion, Fennel, Inulin, Eggshell, Oyster, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Nicotinic Acid, Manganese Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Acetate, Selenium Yeast, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Quercetin, Bromelain, Papain
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Vegetables Suitable For Golden Retriever
The vegetables that Golden Retriever can eat and most chosen by their owners are:
Tomatoes can be given only and exclusively if they are very ripe since the unripe ones can contain significant quantities of solanine, a toxic alkaloid that is not metabolized by the dog and that can cause digestive tract disorders as well as tachycardia, tremors, and difficulty breathing.
Vegetables can be offered raw so that they retain their nutrients intact. To aid digestion, it is advisable to chop them by grating them, cutting them into small pieces, or blending them and mixing them with the rest of the food so that they cannot be discarded by the dog.
Vets Preferred Advanced Anti
If your pet has not had a physical exam from a veterinarian at any point in their life, its recommended to make an appointment with any changes in their stool. Without knowing their medical history, its best to make an appointment with a vet before going any further.
Dogs can experience minor gastrointestinal upset throughout their lives. Its important to educate yourself on healthy bland diet options if they ever experience loose stool, and know when to seek further help when at-home care is not resolving the issue.
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How To Keep Your Golden Retriever At A Healthy Weight
The best way to keep your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight is to feed them the right amount of high-quality food and give them an appropriate amount of exercise.
Talk to your veterinarian to see whats best for your pup, but you can also read this article about the best food for Golden Retriever puppies.
Youll also want to give them the appropriate amount and type of exercise for their age.
For instance, an 8-week-old Golden Retriever will have much different exercise needs than a 6-month-old Golden Retriever.
Also, with young Golden Retrievers, youll want to avoid too much running or other high-impact exercises because their joints are still developing.
For some fun exercise ideas, check out this blog post about the best games to play with your Golden Retriever.
What Are The Possible Causes Of A Skinny Golden Retriever
Your Golden Retrievers intake of calories must meet its daily energy expenditure to maintain its weight. Calories in must equal calories out.
Provided there are no underlying health issues , and no dehydration or fluid loss, the most likely causes of a skinny Golden Retriever is a calorie intake that is too low or a change in the dogs environment and stress levels.
Your Golden Retriever will lose weight if:
- Its energy expenditure from daily physical exercise exceeds the intake of calories over a prolonged period.
- Calorie intake is below the level needed to maintain weight, i.e., the dog is underfed.
- The food is of poor quality.
- The dog is a finicky eater or fed table scraps, i.e., the diet may be inadequate.
- A change in environment or stress levels results in a loss of appetite or reduced physical activity, e.g., a pet companion passes away.
Regarding the last point, I wrote an article on common reasons a Golden Retriever might be suddenly lazy or lethargic, and it can be found here:A Lazy Golden Retriever? . Please take a few minutes to read it as it identifies some reasons why a Golden Retriever may suddenly become less active.
On the brighter side, provided any of the above is the cause, then the outlook is excellent.
Changes in diet, environment, or stress levels, including the addition of new pets, may lead to weight loss that is rarely permanent or significant.
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Are Golden Retrievers Prone To Obesity
Golden retrievers are one of the dog breeds most likely to become obese! In fact, nearly 63% of golden retrievers in the United States are overweight or obese. There can be several reasons for this excess weight gain ranging from overfeeding and lack of activity for your golden retriever to health problems such as Cushings disease or hypothyroidism.
Its always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to find the cause of your golden retriever being overweight and to rule out any of these health issues.
Is My Golden Retriever Too Fat
Keeping a Golden Retrieve at an ideal weight is critical to their health and well-being. Fortunately, there are signs that Golden Retrieve owners can use to know if their dogs are becoming overweight or too fat.
As a general rule, Golden Retrievers are considered overweight when they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight and are obese when they weigh 20% or more above their ideal body weight. In addition, it will be difficult to feel the ribs, and the waist will lack an obvious taper and may protrude.
One of the best things you can do to keep your Golden Retriever healthy is to keep it at an ideal weight. A Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese is at much higher risk for joint issues and other health issues.
If you believe your Golden Retriever is too fat, then work with your veterinarian to put your Golden on a healthy, calorie-reduced diet to get it back into the ideal range.
Knowing precisely if your Golden Retriever is too fat is discussed in detail in the following section.
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