As a dog owner, you’re responsible for keeping your dog healthy and happy, and that includes on how you maintain your dog’s weight. Ensure your dog is at optimal weight and can run around this summer without a struggle. With the following tips and the number to emergency vet services in case of an emergency, you’re sure to keep your dog happy and healthy this summer.

Track Your Dog’s Weight

Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight requires consistent tracking. Once a week, weigh your furry friend and write down the number. This way, you can see how you can help your dog stay active. If you find that your pup’s weight isn’t getting to an ideal number after taking steps to help the situation, you can show your veterinarian what you’ve reported and ask for additional advice. If you think your dog is unhealthy or struggling in any way, be sure to contact emergency vet services.

Find Healthy Dog Food

Generally, dogs eat twice a day, and the food they consume is important for their health. Take the time to research the best food for your dog. Consider your dog’s breed, weight, height, and pet allergies as you find the best dog food for your pup.

Limit Treat Intake

Pets love treats. Children especially enjoy feeding dogs treats for doing tricks, and sometimes family members will let their furry friend indulge in scraps from breakfast, lunch, or dinner. To ensure your dog maintains a proper weight this summer, limit treat intake. If you have children, let your kids give your dog one treat a day. This will help make sure that your dog is eating the proper amount of food each day. Additionally, make sure you have the number to emergency vet services in case your dog accidentally eats something dangerous.

Follow a Consistent Feeding Schedule

Once you’ve found the best dog food for ideal pet health, follow a consistent feeding schedule. You probably had one when you first got your pup, but over time and with a family’s hectic schedule, it can be difficult to keep it consistent. Write down what times your dog should be fed each day. Create a plan based on your family’s work and summer schedules. You may consider setting up a whiteboard so whoever feeds the dog for a meal can check it off each day. This way, your family dog won’t accidentally be fed too much or too little.

Make Sure Your Dog Gets Daily Exercise

Aside from food and treat intake and a consistent feeding schedule, how you maintain your dog’s weight is also about how much exercise your pup endures. It’s important that your dog obtains structured exercise at least once a day. Taking your furry friend for a walk around your neighborhood, around town, or in a local park is a great way for your pup to get the exercise it needs. Your dog needs between 30 minutes and two hours of walking a day depending on size and breed, so consider this as you plan out when your dog will be getting in a walk each day. If your dog is on the older side and gets hurt during a walk, make sure to contact emergency vet services as soon as possible.

Speak With Your Dog’s Vet On How to Maintain Your Dog’s Weight

It’s also a good idea to discuss your dog’s health with your trusted veterinarian. Ask your vet for tips on dog food options and how to incorporate more exercise into your dog’s daily routine. A vet is a great resource for all of your questions regarding your dog’s ideal weight and how to maintain it. Plus, if your dog is on the older side, vets suggest twice-yearly checkups. During these check-ups, you can discuss the best methods for keeping your dog healthy. Remember that having the number for local emergency vet services is a good idea in case of any emergencies or questions you may have.

This summer calls for more time spent outdoors, and your dog can join you on your adventures to the park. Incorporate more exercise into your dog’s day-to-day routine and establish proper feeding patterns. This way, your dog will maintain an ideal weight and enjoy a happy and healthy life.

At Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center we are happy to provide a wide range of veterinary specialty and emergency services. It is important to have a “primary care” veterinarian to keep your new family member healthy and happy with routine vaccinations and health checks. But if you find yourself in the midst of a veterinary emergency, our team of experienced veterinarians is here to help. When it comes to visiting animal hospitals, we understand that the experience can be full of stress and worry, so we aim to make things as simple as possible. For more information, get in touch with one of our experts today.