Why is my dog gaining weight? Simple reasons & tips!
Okay, so my furry buddy, Max, a golden retriever, started looking a bit, well, chunky. It wasn't overnight, but slowly I noticed his harness getting tighter, and he was definitely a bit slower on our walks. I was concerned, so I started to watch out what truly happended.
Tracking the Usual
First, I looked at the obvious – his food. I thought I was doing the right thing.
- Food Type: Same old kibble he's always had, the "healthy weight" kind, even.
- Amount: I measured it out, two cups in the morning, two at night. Seemed consistent.
But... something felt off.
The Sneaky Culprits
Then, it hit me. It wasn't just his regular meals.
- Treats Galore: My kids! They love Max, and "love" to them meant sneaking him treats. Table scraps, extra biscuits... you name it.
- My Own Weakness: I'm guilty too! Who can resist those puppy-dog eyes when you're having a snack? Apparently, not me.
- Less Zoomies: We'd gotten a bit lazy with walks, especially during the colder months. Shorter walks, less playtime in the yard.
The "Aha!" Moment
It was like a lightbulb went off. It wasn't one big thing, it was ALL these little things adding up. Extra calories in, fewer calories out. Classic equation, really.
Making Changes
So, here's what I doing now:
- Family Meeting: We had a chat about Max's health. No more secret treats! The kids are on board (mostly!).
- Treat Control: We switched to smaller, low-calorie treats, and I keep them in a jar, so we know exactly how many he's getting.
- Back to Basics: Longer walks, more fetch in the yard. Even in not very good weather, we're making an effort.
- Measured Meals: Still sticking to his regular food and amount, but being super strict about it.
Seeing Results (Slowly!)
It's only been a few weeks, but I think I see a difference. He's got a bit more pep in his step, and the harness isn't quite as snug. It's going to be a process, but I'm feeling good about it. The key was really just paying attention and realizing all those little extras were making a big impact.
