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, potentially leading to heatstroke. However, it is important for him to exercise to get in shape, but always with great care to avoid harming him.
An ARISTODOG with overweight may be more prone to diseases. Therefore, walking, running, jogging, swimming, and games like frisbee or ball fetch are important exercises, but they must be done with great caution. Every pet is a different world, so you need to learn what their favorite activities are, this way you will also stimulate their mind and make them happier.
Know his limitations. Learn how far he can go; you can infer this by noticing when he starts panting more than usual. At that point, you should stop quickly and let him recover. Another option is to take him to the vet; they will recommend an exercise plan to get your dog in shape without compromising his health.
Do not feed him either before or after exercising. This can cause vomiting and severe stomach pain.
Go little by little. Dogs are like humans; if you're not in shape, you can't do an hour-long physical activity session. You have to gradually increase the time and intensity over the days. ARISTODOGS are just like us; you should start slowly and then observe how his stamina improves to gradually increase the intensity over the days, but under no circumstances should you force him!
Improve his diet and control quantities. You should give him a low-calorie diet—say goodbye to treats! Look for a kibble specifically for overweight dogs; this will help him get in shape faster. The vet can tell you the exact amounts of food your pet should eat based on age, size, history, etc. Weigh the food and give him exactly what he needs.
Let him take breaks. If you see your ARISTODOG becoming overwhelmed during the walk and starting to pant more than usual, let him take a break until he recovers. To avoid these moments, it's advisable to initially take walks close to home (so you can return quickly in case of extreme fatigue) and take several short walks throughout the day.
Avoid the hottest hours. This is something that doesn't only apply to overweight dogs; it's advice all ARISTOPARENTS should follow. Summer days are very uncomfortable for our pets; they get tired faster and risk 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 be aware of signs of exhaustion, panting, and weakening of his legs. If one of these symptoms appears, take a break, of course, and provide him with fresh water.
Remember that an overweight ARISTODOG needs special care until he returns to his ideal form. If you follow these tips and have a lot of patience, your loyal friend will be healthy and strong in less time than you expect.