What exercises will help my pet to lose weight ?

3 January 2022

Is your pet overweight ? You are motivated and you want to make him lose weight, here are some tips to achieve this.

Walking

The most important thing when you exercise your dog is not the time you spend on it but the regularity. A 2-hour walk every weekend is not worth a 20-minute walk every day! To get into (or get back into) the habit, start with a 5-minute walk morning, noon and night or a 7-minute walk morning and night. Increase your walking time by 2 minutes each week.

Of course, the limit on the amount of time you walk your dog is up to you, but a total of 30 minutes a day is a minimum to set. Some breeds of dog may require more time, such as Jack Russels and Australian Shepherds: listen to their needs!

By gradually increasing your walking time, your pet should have no problem keeping up with you. The only thing that could prevent him from doing so would be a medical reason such as joint pain, a heart or respiratory problem, etc. In this case, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet and adapt yourself.

At home

When walking is not possible, other activities are. At home, there are many little games that can get your dog or cat moving.

First of all, you can hide one of your dog’s favourite toys. The first time, it’s important to point out where you’re hiding it so that your pet understands the purpose of the game. Then move a few metres away and ask him to follow you. Then encourage him to find the loot. After a few attempts, your four-legged friend should have understood the principle. If necessary, you can use food, such as kibble, or a low-calorie reward… However, don’t forget that the objective is to make him lose weight!

Mental training is also a very good way to help your dog lose weight. You can have him do basic tricks such as “sit”, “down”, “paw”, “stay”… If you haven’t taught him yet, now is the time! It’s never too late, especially since your pet will certainly be very motivated by his reward, whatever it may be.

There are many fun activities to stimulate your pet on a daily basis, such as throwing a toy to your pet, entertaining your cat with a small laser, … There are also many other tricks you can teach your pet, such as “turn”, “bark”, “play dead”, … The tricks have no limit, they only depend on you and your imagination. Believe it or not, your pet burns calories when he does obedience. Plus, he might actually enjoy it: many dogs love this type of activity. Added benefit: it will strengthen your bond with him.

Rewarding

Rewarding with food is good, but it should be used as a last resort. Use non-food rewards such as toys, petting, a gentle tone of voice, a whistle or even a clicker, the aim being to make the good deed seem like a positive thing.

If you want to use a treat, look for high-protein, low-fat treats.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.