If your dog is overweight and you want to exercise with him, be careful! If you push him too hard, you can cause him stress, leg problems, and even overheating, with the possibility of heatstroke. However, it is important for him to exercise so he can get in shape, but always with great care to avoid harming him.
An overweight ARISTOPERRO may be more prone to illness. Therefore, walking, running, jogging, swimming, and games such as catching a Frisbee or ball are important forms of exercise, but they must be done with great caution. Every pet is different, so you have to learn which activities are their favorites; this will also stimulate their mind and make them happier.
Know his limitations. Learn how far he can go. You can determine this by noticing when he begins panting more than usual; at that point, you should stop quickly and let him regain his strength. Another option is to take him to the vet, who can recommend an exercise plan to help your dog get in shape without compromising his health.
Do not feed him either before or after going out to exercise. This can cause vomiting and severe stomach pain.
Take it slowly. Dogs are like humans: if you are not in shape, you cannot do a 1-hour physical activity session. You have to gradually increase the duration and intensity over the days. ARISTOPERROS are just like us; you should start slowly and then observe how their endurance improves so you can increase the intensity over the days - but under no circumstances should you force him!
Improve his diet and control portions. You should give him a low-calorie diet. Say goodbye to treats! Look for food specially formulated for overweight dogs; this will help him get in shape more quickly. The vet can tell you the exact amount of food your pet should eat based on his age, size, medical history, and other factors. Weigh his food and give him exactly what he needs.
Let him take breaks. If you notice your ARISTOPERRO becoming overwhelmed and starting to pant more than usual in the middle of a walk, let him take a break until he recovers. To avoid these situations, it is advisable to take walks close to home at first (so you can return quickly in case of extreme exhaustion) and take several short walks a day.
Avoid the hottest hours. This does not apply only to overweight dogs; it is advice that all ARISTOPADRES should follow. Summer days are very uncomfortable for our pets: they get tired more quickly and run the risk of heatstroke. Take him for walks during the coolest hours of the day: in the morning or at night.
Always have fresh water on hand. Always watch for signs of exhaustion, panting, and weakness in his legs. If any of these symptoms appear, take a break, of course, and provide him with fresh water.
Remember that an overweight ARISTOPERRO needs special care until he returns to his ideal shape. If you follow these tips and have plenty of patience, your faithful friend will be healthy and strong sooner than you expect.