3 Ways to Help Your Old or Impaired Dog Lose Weight

Tips and tricks on how to help your dog lose weight without risking further injury during exercise and rehabilitation

Did you know that over 30% of the canine population is considered overweight? As much as we love to give our dogs whatever they might desire, obesity can lead to some very serious, even life-threatening, medical conditions. Some of these conditions include arthritis, joint and ligament issues, heart and breathing conditions, cancer, quality of life and more.

If your dog has an injury, keeping the weight off can be even harder than usual. Here are three ways to help keep your dog mobile and lose weight without risking further injury.

• Walking – This is the easiest and most low impact activity to help your dog lose weight. Short walks around your neighborhood or even just down the street is a great way to keep those extra pounds off your dog.

• Hydrotherapy – This allows your dog to experience a basically weightless activity while protecting their joints and ligaments from added pressure of gravity.

• Scent Training – This is a great option to stimulate your dog both mentally and physically. While using their natural ability, dogs are trained to stiff out a specific scent that has been strategically hidden. Once your dog has the activity down, you’d be shocked at how quickly they are able to find the object (as dogs have about 300 million olfactory receptors).

If your dog is needing some extra support while exercising, it might be time to incorporate a canine bracing device. Braces are designed to help support your dog with their daily activities and rehabilitation.

There are many options to choose from these days, but it is wise to careful of low quality fabrics, or products that aren’t even veterinarian-supported. Balto braces are made from the highest quality of fabric that is both breathable and water resistant (making it a great addition to your pet’s hydrotherapy program).

If your dog has been struggling with mobility or staying standing during exercise, the Balto Body Lift, Balto Up, or Balto Life is intended to provide specialized and different types of compression support while also providing adjustable handles to assist your pet when they need it.

If your dog is recovering from a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injury or a Luxating Patella, considering a knee braces may make a world of difference in their gait and confidence in putting weight on their limb.