As Huskies, they may not demand to be “skinnier than skinny” like their female owner, but they must be “fit and trim” because for them, health is the trend!
However, dogs living in cities, sedentary dogs, and neutered dogs are prone to the problem of obesity. Fatness cannot be judged merely by appearance; some dogs just have thick fur. It cannot be determined by “feeling”; it requires multiple weighings on an empty stomach for comparison.
The moderate standard is to hold its fur and not see the ribs (except for deep-chested hunting dogs), but to be able to easily feel them with your finger. If you cannot see or feel the ribs, there is a pool of fat from the neck to the chest, and there is excess fat on the inside of the hind legs, the back is sunken between the muscles on either side, making the back flat, the girth larger, and the legs splayed when walking, this is too fat.
Referring to weight loss as a “big plan” is because it is not easy to execute!
The owner must:
1. Develop a weight loss plan and strictly follow it for the whole family. No one should secretly feed the dog delicious food and break the rule.
2. Increase the frequency and duration of your dog’s exercise, starting with a leisurely walk that is not too strenuous, and gradually progress to games, chasing, swimming, etc.
3. Use a weight-loss dog food and strictly follow the instructions for feeding. Do not give your dog any other food or snacks. First, feed your dog in its room, and then the rest of the family should eat quickly in the dining room to avoid your dog begging. If it begs, take it for a walk to distract its attention.
4. Take it slow and steady, so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed and the plan falls apart before it even starts.