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Boxer Dog Weight Issues
Overview
Pet obesity (fat and overweight pets) is a growing concern. Currently, 25% of dogs are overweight.
Just as with humans, this happens when the amount of calories that a dog consumes is more than a dog burns.
Should you put your dog on a diet? How do you know if your dog is fat? Beside from an unattractive appearance, will your Boxer suffer health issues from being overweight?
Quite simply we will discuss: What to do if your Boxer dog is fat and deal with this issue in a healthy and productive way.
Pet obesity (fat and overweight pets) is a growing concern. Currently, 25% of dogs are overweight.
Just as with humans, this happens when the amount of calories that a dog consumes is more than a dog burns.
Should you put your dog on a diet? How do you know if your dog is fat? Beside from an unattractive appearance, will your Boxer suffer health issues from being overweight?
Quite simply we will discuss: What to do if your Boxer dog is fat and deal with this issue in a healthy and productive way.
An overweight Boxer is a very sad sight.
How Did My Boxer Get Fat?
It probably happened without you really noticing, your dog had a nibble there, a bit too much human food there, days that you didn't feel like taking your dog for a walk...it all added up until one day you looked at your Boxer and realized your dog was fat.
What makes a dog overweight? It is usually a combination of factors. This will include:
For details regarding Killer
Bloat in the Boxer breed
First, it must be determined that weight gain is not being caused by a medical issue with your dog. Thyroid problems is the most common medical reason for a pet being overweight. Your Boxer should have a complete checkup with their veterinarian. Only then, once a condition is ruled out, should a diet be implemented.
Ask your veterinarian how much your Boxer dog should weigh. This will depend on 3 factors:
Aside from keeping a very close eye on what if fed to your Boxer, exercise is very important. It must be noted that an overweight dog cannot suddenly be expected to walk, jog or run for miles. Exercise should be provided daily; however with a fat dog, it must begin slow and then steadily progress.
It is recommended to walk your dog twice per day, 3 times is even better if you are able to do so. Begin with short walks and allow your Boxer to be reminded of just how great it can feel to be outside and walk around! As your dog slowly begins to lose weight, he or she will have an increased desire to head outdoors.
As they get into better shape, you can add some variety to your exercise routines. Taking your Boxer for a hike through the woods can be a great way to bond with your dog. Teaching him or her to run alongside you as you bike can be fun. Toss around a Frisbee or throw a tennis ball in a large yard. Your Boxer will enjoy the time spent with you and get healthy while doing so.
Be sure to supply your Boxer with plenty of water. Do not exercise your dog outside if the weather is hot and/or humid. Being part of the Mastiff family unfortunately makes breathing difficult in certain instances.
The important thing to remember is that you will be providing your Boxer dog with enough calories; he or she will not starve! Taking it slow and steady is the only healthy way to help your dog. You will be helping them live longer with proper exercise that keeps their heart pumping and burns off the extra fat. Once your dog is at the recommended weight, be sure to keep up with your healthy routines. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself entering your Boxer into a Conformance dog show when all is done!
It probably happened without you really noticing, your dog had a nibble there, a bit too much human food there, days that you didn't feel like taking your dog for a walk...it all added up until one day you looked at your Boxer and realized your dog was fat.
What makes a dog overweight? It is usually a combination of factors. This will include:
- Free feeding. This is a method of feeding a dog by leaving out dog food and allowing the Boxer to eat whatever he wishes for the day. When the bowl is empty, it is refilled. This is not the recommended method of feeding a Boxer dog. It not only will lead to an overweight dog, but when a Boxer eats too much food at one time, Bloat can occur. Bloat is a sometimes fatal condition that happens to this dog breed.
For details regarding Killer
Bloat in the Boxer breed
- Eating your food. While it is very tempting to give into a dog who pleads for your pizza, it is important to stay firm in a commitment to only feed your Boxer high quality dog food. Having this rule from when you first bring your Boxer home makes things easier. This is quite a big habit to break if your dog is already used to eating everyone's leftovers; however it can be reversed.
First, it must be determined that weight gain is not being caused by a medical issue with your dog. Thyroid problems is the most common medical reason for a pet being overweight. Your Boxer should have a complete checkup with their veterinarian. Only then, once a condition is ruled out, should a diet be implemented.
Ask your veterinarian how much your Boxer dog should weigh. This will depend on 3 factors:
- Age
- Sex
- Bone structure
Aside from keeping a very close eye on what if fed to your Boxer, exercise is very important. It must be noted that an overweight dog cannot suddenly be expected to walk, jog or run for miles. Exercise should be provided daily; however with a fat dog, it must begin slow and then steadily progress.
It is recommended to walk your dog twice per day, 3 times is even better if you are able to do so. Begin with short walks and allow your Boxer to be reminded of just how great it can feel to be outside and walk around! As your dog slowly begins to lose weight, he or she will have an increased desire to head outdoors.
As they get into better shape, you can add some variety to your exercise routines. Taking your Boxer for a hike through the woods can be a great way to bond with your dog. Teaching him or her to run alongside you as you bike can be fun. Toss around a Frisbee or throw a tennis ball in a large yard. Your Boxer will enjoy the time spent with you and get healthy while doing so.
Be sure to supply your Boxer with plenty of water. Do not exercise your dog outside if the weather is hot and/or humid. Being part of the Mastiff family unfortunately makes breathing difficult in certain instances.
The important thing to remember is that you will be providing your Boxer dog with enough calories; he or she will not starve! Taking it slow and steady is the only healthy way to help your dog. You will be helping them live longer with proper exercise that keeps their heart pumping and burns off the extra fat. Once your dog is at the recommended weight, be sure to keep up with your healthy routines. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself entering your Boxer into a Conformance dog show when all is done!
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