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Is Your Dog Overweight? Don't Worry, We'll Help! A Story with a Happy Ending

Familiar Situation? You're Not Alone

I know how it goes. Your dog looks at you with those beautiful eyes, and you just can't resist. Another treat. Another bite from the table. "Well, he's begging for it!" you say to yourself. And suddenly, a few months later, you notice that your beloved four-legged friend has become... well, a little rounder.

The vet says "obesity," but all you see is your beloved dog still jumping (well, trying to jump) and cheering you on. But deep down, you know something needs to be done.

I am Dmitry, I have been working with dogs for over 15 years, and I want to tell you: you are not a bad owner . You just love your dog. And it is because you love it that you are reading this article now. This is the first step in the right direction.

Why This Really Matters (Without Intimidation)

Okay, I don't want to sound like that vet who just scares you. But let me tell you about Max, a Labrador Retriever I met three years ago.

Max weighed 42 kilograms. He should have weighed about 32. His owner Rasa said: "But he is so happy! He loves to eat!" And she was right - Max really loved to eat. But you know what? He also loved to run. He just couldn't anymore. After 5 minutes of walking, he was already breathing like a locomotive.

A year later, when Max had lost 8 kilograms, Rasa wrote to me: "Dmitry, I didn't know my dog ​​could run like that! He's like a puppy again!"

Here's why it's important:

  • Your dog will be able to play longer (and will definitely want to!)
  • His joints no longer hurt (yes, obesity hurts)
  • It will live longer (usually 2-3 years longer!)
  • It will be easier for him to breathe, especially in the summer
  • He will be able to do the things he loved again.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Really Obese?

Okay, let's forget about those complicated tables and calculations. Here's a simple test you can do right now:

"Rib Test" (Takes 10 Seconds)

Place your hands on the dog's sides and gently press:

Ideal weight: You can feel your ribs easily, but you can't see them. It's like touching the top of your hand - the bones are there, but under a thin layer.

A little too much: You have to press to feel the ribs. It's like touching your palm - the bones are there, but you have to look for them.

Obesity: You can't find your ribs no matter how hard you try. It's like you're touching a pillow.

"Top View"

Look at the dog from above:

  • Good: You can see the waist - the silhouette narrows behind the ribs
  • Too much: No torso - a straight line from chest to tail
  • Serious problem: Wider than longer (sorry, but that's how it is)

Why Did This Happen? (Without Guilt)

You know what? It happens to good owners most of the time. Yes, it does. Because you care, you want to make the dog happy, and food seems to be a love language.

Most Common Reasons (You May Recognize Yourself):

"But He Asks So!"
I know, I know. Those eyes. That look. But here's the secret: your dog doesn't know what's good for him. All he knows is that treats are delicious. You're an adult—you have to be smarter (even when it's hard).

"I'm Just Giving a Little..."
A little bit from breakfast. A little bit from lunch. A little bit from dinner. A treat for good behavior. A treat because it's cute. And suddenly that "little bit" is half his daily calories.

"He Doesn't Eat His Food"
Of course he doesn't eat! He knows that in 10 minutes he will get something tastier from the table. Your dog is not stupid - he has taught you.

"He Changed After Sterilization"
Yes, it's true. After sterilization, metabolism slows down by about 25-30%. But this does not mean that obesity is inevitable - you just need to adjust your diet.

"We Walk a Little"
Life is busy, I get it. But here's the good news: Weight loss is 80% about food, only 20% about movement. So even if you can't walk much, you can still help.

Okay, How Do We Solve This? (Practically and Realistically)

Step 1: Stop Blaming Yourself and Start Taking Action

What happened is what happened. Now we look forward. Your dog is not mad at you for less treats. He just wants to be with you and feel good.

Step 2: Switch to the Right Food

That's where Royal Canin Light Weight Care really helps. And no, that's not an advertisement - it just works.

Why? Because:

  • Your dog won't go hungry - the high fiber content helps them feel full
  • He'll still get all the nutrients - just fewer calories
  • He won't think you're punishing him - the portions are still normal size
  • It works gradually - safe weight loss without stress

Which Product for Your Dog?

For small dogs (up to 10 kg):

If you have a Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, or other little one who has become a round ball:

For medium dogs (11-25 kg):

Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, Beagles - you know who you are:

For large dogs (from 26 kg):

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds - yes, you're mostly here:

For anyone who wants variety:

Step 3: Treat Strategy (Because I Know You Won't Stop Giving Them)

Okay, let's be realistic. You're not going to stop giving treats. I wouldn't either. But here's how to do it smartly:

The 10% rule: Treats = maximum 10% of daily calories. This means:

  • For a small dog (5 kg): 2-3 small treats per day
  • For medium (15 kg): 4-5 treats
  • Large (30 kg): 6-8 treats

Smart Treats:

  • Carrot slices (yes, many dogs like them!)
  • Apple slices (seedless)
  • Frozen green beans (sounds weird, but it works)
  • His own food pellets (separated from the daily ration)

Step 4: Family Agreement

This is where things usually go wrong. You try your best, but:

  • Mom secretly gives treats
  • Children eat from the table
  • Grandparents say "but he's so skinny!" (even though he weighs 40 kg)

A family meeting is needed. A serious one. Explain that it's for the dog's health, not because you're angry.

Step 5: Movement (But Without Fanaticism)

You don't have to run a marathon. Just:

  • Extend your walks by 10 minutes
  • Play for 5 minutes before meals
  • Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Hide the toy - let him look for it

The most important thing is regularity, not intensity.

What to Expect: Realistic Graphics

Okay, now it's reality. It won't happen anytime soon. And that's okay.

Week 1: Nothing. Your dog might be a little hungry. Be strong. It will pass.

2-3 Weeks: He's getting used to it. He's not fussing as much anymore. You've started to notice that it's easier for him to move around.

1 Month: First results! Maybe only 1-2 kilos, but you can see the difference. He is more energetic.

2-3 Months: Wow. He's a different dog. He's running, playing, looking younger. People start asking, "What are you doing? He looks great!"

6 Months: Goal achieved. Your dog is at an ideal weight. And guess what? Now it's just the new normal.

Real Stories (Because You Need Inspiration)

Luna - The Pug Who Found Joy Again

Luna weighed 12 kg. She should have weighed 7. Her owner, Ieva, said: "She can't get on the sofa anymore. I'm lifting her."

After 5 months with Light Weight Care Mini , Lūna weighed 7.5 kg. Ieva sent me a video of Lūna jumping on the sofa. She cried with happiness.

Rex - The Labrador Who Can Swim Again

Rex loved to swim. But at 45 kilograms, he couldn't even enter the water - his joints hurt.

After 8 months with Light Weight Care Maxi he weighed 33 kg. Now he swims every weekend. His owner says: "I got my dog ​​back."

Most Common Mistakes (So You Don't Make Them)

Mistake #1: Losing Weight Too Fast
"I'll cut the portion in half!" - No. That's dangerous. Slow and steady - that's how.

Mistake #2: Giving Up After a Week
"He looks so sad..." - Yes, I know. But he'll get used to it in a week. Be strong.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Family
You try, but the grandparents are still feeding you. Talk to everyone.

Mistake #4: Not Measuring Portions
"I just pour..." - No. Use a measuring cup. Every time.

Mistake #5: Going Back to Old Foods Too Quickly
Once you reach your goal, don't go back to what caused the problem. You may be able to switch back to normal foods, but control your portions.

Practical Checklist: Start Today

Today:

  • ☐ Weigh the dog (the veterinary clinic has scales)
  • ☐ Perform a rib test
  • ☐ Take a picture of the dog from the side and from above (for comparison later)
  • ☐ Order the right Light Weight Care food

This Week:

  • ☐ Family meeting - everyone needs to know the rules
  • ☐ Throw all the treats off the table (yes, all of them)
  • ☐ Buy a measuring cup
  • ☐ Start transitioning to new food (7 days)

This Month:

  • ☐ Weigh every 2 weeks
  • ☐ Record the results
  • ☐ Extend your walks by 10 minutes
  • ☐ Celebrate small victories!

The Last Word (From the Heart)

I know it's not easy. I know you feel guilty. I know it's hard to resist those eyes.

But here's what I want you to know: The best way to show your dog love isn't food . It's time. It's games. It's walks. It's your attention.

When your dog loses weight, he'll be able to do all the things he loved again. He'll be able to play longer. Run faster. Live longer. Be with you longer.

Isn't that the best gift you can give him?

Start today. Your dog will thank you. Maybe not right away (he'll still want those treats), but in a few months, when he's jumping and playing like a puppy again, you'll know you made the right decision.

Choose the right food for your dog's size:

And if you need help or advice - we are here . Really. Write, call. We will help.

You can do it. Your dog deserves it. And you deserve to have a healthy, happy dog ​​for many years to come.

Go ahead!

With love and respect,
Dmitry

PS Send me a picture after 3 months. I want to see the results. Seriously.

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