Weight-loss tips for your dog

From an owner's point of view, a dog's weight is often a very individual matter. Sometimes, and with certain breeds, it is also hard to tell whether a dog still has a normal weight. But by the time of the rib test at the latest, action must be taken. If the ribs can no longer be clearly felt because the layer of fat is too thick, your four-legged friend needs to lose weight. We recommend establishing this with a bathroom scale so that you know exactly how much weight needs to be reduced. Weigh your dog and compare the result with the recommended reference tables for the breed in question.

Slowly and safely to the target weight

Even without much effort, a few kilograms can be shed over time during the daily walk. You should get your dog used to more exercise gradually and steadily extend the length of the walks, in order to build up his fitness caringly. When you feel that your dog is now fit enough, you can let him jump over tree trunks or go jogging together with him.

Motivation plays a big role

Balancing on park benches or wall ledges is another playful exercise you can build in. You have to motivate your dog to move and give him a taste for it. This works, for example, by throwing balls and retrieving sticks, or you use a food bag if he is easily motivated by food. If retrieving does not work straight away, you can keep him on a long line to make sure he does not run off with the prize. That way you can relax a little yourself, because your dog is the one doing the sprinting.

The yo-yo effect exists in dogs too

Once your four-legged friend has slimmed down, it is just like with us humans: you absolutely must keep at it. But if your dog is already older or has pre-existing conditions, it does not necessarily have to be canine sport. Under certain circumstances that could even be counterproductive. But the odd element can be wonderfully built into the walk. If this happens regularly, that is already quite a lot and does good both to your dog's health and to your own enjoyment.

Keep an eye on the daily calorie intake

Every dog has a certain requirement of calories that he needs each day. If he gets too many calories with too little exercise, he inevitably puts on weight. The right amount of calories, combined with exercise, makes the pounds melt away. But do not now put your dog on a drastic diet; instead, focus first and foremost on high-quality, fresh feeding. Dry food, in our view, is not part of that. A balanced, species-appropriate diet and sufficient exercise are the basic prerequisites for losing weight. His health will thank you for it.

Black cumin as natural support

Black cumin belongs to the buttercup family. It originally comes from Western Asia, Iraq and Turkey. Today it is also found in southern Europe, India and North Africa. In the Orient, black cumin has been known for centuries both as a spice and as a natural remedy for many complaints. Here it has become known in recent years above all as a valuable supplement for dogs. The whole seeds or the virgin oil can be taken.

The ingredients in black cumin

Black cumin contains many healthy substances, such as a high proportion of essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce itself. There are gamma-linolenic acids, which inhibit inflammation and increase blood flow. Vitamin E protects the body's cells against attacks by free radicals. Secondary plant substances strengthen the defences and actively stimulate the metabolism. Then there are many other ingredients that are good for use against all sorts of complaints. For example, with allergies, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections and skin conditions.

How it works in the animal

Black cumin also works for joint conditions and for detoxifying the liver and kidneys. The effect in the animal is similar to that in humans. However, since the dog has a faster metabolism, the dosage has to be adjusted individually. For cats, black cumin is not suitable because of its content of essential oils. They lack a certain enzyme in the liver, so that, unlike the dog, they cannot break down the essential oils.

This article serves as general information and is in no way a substitute for a visit to a veterinary practice.