How Can I Get My Dog to Lose Weight?

Question:
I have two labs and they are brothers. they are almost 3 years old and they eat the exact same amount of food. they are both walked everyday and play outside for hours each day. One is very hyper and the other very laid back. He laid back one weighs over 20 lbs more than his brother. he is overweight! I know this is not healthy for him. What else can i do? I am afraid that he is going to have a heart attack on our walk one day.

A:  I would recommend feeding the heavier dog less food.

Just like in people, dogs have different metabolism.  It sounds like one of your dogs has a slower metabolism.

I would recommend having your veterinarian check your dog's thyroid level.  This is the hormone that governs the metabolism of the whole body.  This test may come back normal now, but do not be discouraged.  The level can change over time.  I recommend rechecking this level every 6 months on a dog that is suspected to have the inability to lose weight and a slower metabolism.  The treatment for hypothyroidism is a hormone supplement that is relatively inexpensive.

I would also recommend cutting back on the amount of food being fed.  Each dog's activity level is different.  The lazier dog does not expend as many calories in a single day, compared to your other, more active dog.  Therefore, the amount of calories consumed should be less.  Most normal labs (that are not working dogs) should be fed about 1 cup of food twice daily.  To help your dog lose weight, you may consider feeding 1/2 - 3/4 cup of food twice daily.  You can also give 1/2 cup of food and a 1/2 cup of canned green beans.  The green beans are high in fiber and will help fill up your dog, so he isn't hungry.  (Labs will ALWAYS act like they are hungry, but watch the amount of food you are feeding!)

There are also some special weight loss diets (which are high in fiber).  Science Diet's R/D or W/D are both good products to try and readily available.  Purina's OM is another option for a weight loss food.

Finally, continue exercising the dogs.  It won't be long and hopefully he will start to slowly shed the pounds!

~Dr. Page Wages

Oberlin Animal Hospital