🐶 7 ways to control obesity in your child

— The editor personally collected information and disassembled it point by point for all the minions —

Many Hong Kong owners pamper their pets, constantly giving them treats and taking them out for all sorts of treats🤭, resulting in increasingly plump and rounded pets. I've met friends whose dogs appear healthy, but become winded after just a few steps and even experience joint problems. Obesity isn't just a "comfort"; it significantly increases health risks, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and can even shorten lifespan. Therefore, keeping your pet's weight under control is truly their responsibility! I'll break down these 7 key methods below👇

1️⃣ Accurately control food portions🍖

Subtitle: Stop using “estimates” when feeding <br>Many owners think “one bowl is enough”, but the calorie needs of each pet are different, depending on weight, age and activity level.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Follow the recommended portion sizes on the back of the dog/cat food packaging
• It is best to use a digital scale to avoid "overdoing it"
• Feed separately (2-3 times a day) to avoid overfeeding at one time

2️⃣ Reduce snack addiction🍪

Subtitle: Snacks don’t equal love <br>Hong Kong owners love to use snacks to coax their pets into behaving, but snacks are usually high in calories!
👉 Editor's Tip:

• Choose low-calorie snacks when training
• You can split the staple food into small portions and use them as rewards.
• Control the proportion of snacks and do not exceed 10% of the total daily calories

3️⃣ Increase your exercise 🚶♀️🐕

Subtitle: Walking is more than just a way to relax
Exercise is the best way to burn calories, but many people think that "walking down the stairs" is enough, but in fact it is not enough.
👉 Edited by the editor:

• Dogs: At least 30 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise (adjusted by breed and age)
• Cats: 15-20 minutes of playtime daily (laser pointer, feather wand, jumping toy)
• Exercise should be consistent. Don't go crazy one day and then not exercise at all the next few days.

4️⃣ Choose low-calorie and high-fiber foods🥦

Subtitle: Eat well without gaining weight <br>Many brands have "weight management formulas" that are low in calories but high in fiber to help your little ones feel full.
👉 Editor's thoughts:

• Discuss with the veterinarian to select suitable food
• Avoid human foods (cheese, sausage, bread, etc., all high in calories)
• Don't make random diet meals to avoid nutritional imbalance

5️⃣ Monitor your weight regularly ⚖️

Subtitle: Look carefully, weigh yourself first to see the real thing <br>Many people think they “don’t seem to be fat”, but in fact they are overweight.
👉 Editor's suggestion:

• Weigh at least once a month
• Pay attention to your body shape: You should be able to feel your ribs easily when you touch your back, but they shouldn't be prominent.
• Use your mobile phone or notebook to record weight changes for easy tracking

6️⃣ Provide psychological satisfaction instead of food🧸

Subtitle: Love doesn’t have to be expressed through snacks <br>Many times when little boys act coquettishly, they actually want attention, not because they are hungry.
👉 Editor's thoughts:

• More playtime, more interaction
• Instead of treats, use caressing, hugging, and verbal praise
• Use educational toys (such as food balls) to consume energy and feel satisfied

7️⃣ Consult professional veterinary advice🩺

Subtitle: Professional guidance is the safest <br>Every furry puppy has different physical conditions, and the owner’s own assessment may not be accurate.
👉 Editor's reminder:

• If you suspect your child is overweight, consult a veterinarian about a weight management plan.
• Some obesity may be due to thyroid or other diseases and need to be checked
• Follow professional advice and avoid losing weight too quickly

🐾 Editor's summary

Managing your pet's weight isn't a one-time thing; it requires perseverance . Don't assume that "chubby and white is cute" anymore; health is the ultimate love. With a healthy diet, exercise, and attention, your pet can live a longer and happier life.