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My Shih Tzu gained 6 lbs. What's the best way to help him lose weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 6 months old | 21 lbs

adopted a shih tsu in July. he was 15 lbs. Now he is 21 lbs. Is there any medical treatment or food to help him lose weight? He is 4 yrs old and neutered.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2017

This is a great question! There are a couple of things you can do to help Henry lose weight. One thing to do is to feed him a premium, high quality dog food. I recommend brands such as Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, or Iams. Diet foods are typically better used in dogs who have a significant amount of weight to lose, and since Henry does not have a relatively large amount of weight he needs to lose, he can eat a regular food. The important thing about this, however, is to feed according to the package instructions and give him no treats or human food at all. On the bag, there will be the daily recommended amount for his weight (use his target weight), and divide it up in to two equal portions, one for breakfast and one for dinner. Do not give him any treats or human food at all, no matter how much he begs for them. This will keep him on a strict caloric intake, which will help him lose weight. Another important thing to do is to exercise him. Henry should be getting about 30 minutes of exercise twice a day. I would take him out for walks in the morning and evening, and try to get his heart rate up by making it a brisk walk. By only feeding him dog food in a specified amount and having him exercise regularly, this will help him lose the weight in a slow and safe manner. I hope this helps, and Henry loses the weight he needs to :-)

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Most neutered pets are at a higher risk for putting on weight because of a decrease in hormone levels which can decrease your pets activity level. 6 lbs is a lot to gain in a small breed dog. First I would recommend getting Henry's thyroid levels testednto make sure his levels aren't low. That would definitely make it very difficult for his to maintain an appropriate weight without medications to level his thyroid hormones. If his thyroid levels are normal, then I would recommend asking your vet for a prescription for a weight loss food such as Hills Metabolic (highly recommended) or Royal Canin low calorie. There are tons of non-prescription brands however the prescription diets are more effective and reliable. Best luck with Henry and his weight loss.

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