My senior dog is overweight. How do I safely exercise and feed her?

Question

I have a 11 year old chihuahua/jack Russell. She’s overweight and I want to exercise her but how much should I do? Should I try homemade dog food or should I stay with dog chow? Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 11 months old | 19 lbs

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

Sticking with the current diet, or seeing if there is a weight loss diet from the same brand can help in calorie reduction. You can also speak with your vet about if a prescription weight loss diet is needed at this time. As with any increase in exercise, you will want to start gradually, especially if Angel has any health issues such as arthritis. Starting with a quick walk just around the block, and then gradually increasing over time (to two blocks, or ten minute walks, etc) can help build muscle and strength without overtaxing the body. As with any change in routine or diet, it is always a good idea to schedule a wellness check with your vet first. They can rule out any health issues that may cause problems that you need to watch out for, and can also work with you on tracking weight loss progress over time.

My senior dog is overweight. How do I safely exercise and feed her?

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