Verified answer

Ack!

Stop the frisbee and most of the fetch for now! Great idea and I know he loves it but that is a great way to blow a cruciate ligament in an overweight lab!

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/ccl-injuries.html

Your best exercise options? The biking is great if built up slowly over a series of weeks. Also, swimming, fast walking on leash, fetch up a slight incline so less of a chance to spin or torque those back legs, tug-of-war where he tugs straight back.

Be extra careful on slippery floors and wet grass (and later on ice) as slipping = higher risk of injury.

Also, in these next couple of months, watch the temp. You seem to be aware of this already so that may be a "preaching to the choir" comment.

It is awesome you both recognize the problem and are so eager to address it. The best bet? Make haste slowly.

One cup AM and PM sounds like a good starting place. Maybe use a food dispensing toy? That can make his meals last longer which can leave him a bit more content (and he'll have to move to eat.) This is a fun one. It's really easy to both load up and to clean afterward: http://www.amazon.com/Ourpets-DT-10504-Smarter-Toy...

Pick it up when it is empty.

Also, have you discussed hypothyroidism with your vet? It's pretty common in labs and can contribute to weight issues:

http://www.2ndchance.info/doghypothyroid.htm

Your desire to thin him down is GREAT! I just want to make sure things go smoothly for you both.

I hope you find this info helpful and I'd be happy to talk with you via email for some one-on-one support.

Best -

Sarah Wilson

It just depends. It will probably take something like 5 or 6 months. Pavement is good for dog paws. Dog paws should be toughened up, and running on pavement will keep his nails filed, so no need to clip them. Dog boots are for sissified dogs. And most dogs won't keep them on.

Edit: And remember...no treats. Not even after he loses the weight, or you'll be back to square 1.

In my experience the best way to help your dog lose weight is to get on a program with support and a good weight loss diet. You are already doing two of the most important things, increasing his exercise and reducing his food intake. Feeding less of a high calorie food like the one you are feeding is one way to accomplish calorie restriction, but it is the hard way. Many dogs will react negatively to significant portion control. Using a Veterinary weight loss diet with lots of fiber will lead to greater satiety and fewer problems. You can feed a normal amount of these diets and many dogs prefer that approach. Most supervised weight loss plans for dogs plan for losing about 1 to 2 pounds a week. These plans also help you monitor your dog's progress and help you adjust the amount of food you feed based on your dog's response to caloric restriction. This is really important because it's not uncommon for dogs to adjust their metabolic rate in the face of calorie restriction. They stop losing weight and you get frustrated.

I would not worry so much about the "grain free" aspect of his diet until you get him to ideal body condition. It's well worth it to use a specific weight loss product. Once you have the weight off you can return to the appropriate amount of what ever you choose to feed and monitor his body condition from there.

Be careful on the exercise too. Don't do too much too soon. Dogs, like people need time to get into shape, both cardiovascular shape and to toughen up their pads. Go easy for a few weeks and gradually increase his exercise.

I'll link to a well designed weight loss plan that you can implement with your Veterinarian's help below.

Healthy high protein dry dog food (no filler ie: first ingridient corn) follow recommended feeding instructions on package and take your dog for a walk every day, it benefits both of you. If possible take it to a dog park and let it play around for an hour several times a week.

give it half a cup of food and take it out 4 times a day also just walk it dont make it fetch or anything cause it will make the dog to tired so just walk it for at least 20 minutes everytime and u should walk it after it is doone eating , in the morning , after dinner and before u go to sleep

no need for the boots. but i think it will take at least 4-5 months. keep doing what ur doing(: and make sure to keep him on a schcedual like i am doing, get up at 7;30 (before u take a bike ride with him) and feed him however much it says on the bag. but keep working it sounds Great!! good luck

have fun when you get back to work twirl 123 times in your office chair try not to puke

don t exercise on an empty stomach

yes.