My dog lost 7 lbs in a month. Is this a healthy weight loss rate? What tips?

Question

So as I stated before in some questions before, I have a labrador boarding. When he was dropped off, he was 112. We weighed him again. He is 105. He has been here for a month and leaves next week. Is that good enough weight loss of was he supposed to lose more/less? Also, what are some tips I can give the owner? I also have reduced his food from 4 cups to 2 cups and instead of 1 hr walks 2x a day, taking him out hiking and swimming. He is 2yrs old.

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

A safe weight loss is 3-5% per month. If he started at 112 and is now 105 he lost 7 pounds which is about 7% weight loss. So, you accelerated it a bit but that is still fine. We don't want them to lose weight too quickly. I think you should have the owners do exactly what you have been doing because you know they will not be as strict as you and they will likely feed him a bit more. That should still keep him at 5% weight loss per month. When he gets to his ideal weight though they will need to evaluate if they need to increase the food a bit or leave the amount as is. The best recommendation is to have them work with their vet. Here is a good online resource for them to use: http://petobesityprevention.org/ I hope this helps and thanks for getting this dog back on track. Obesity is a HUGE problem in our pets! I hope this was helpful. Best wishes!

My dog lost 7 lbs in a month. Is this a healthy weight loss rate? What tips?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

Share