Can a dog lose weight in 2 weeks

Rapid weight loss in dogs

A gradual loss of weight in a dog is okay and even beneficial if it is expected or there is an obvious reason for it (such as an increase in exercise or a deliberate change of diet). Unexplained rapid weight loss, however, is a concern and should be checked by your veterinarian as soon as you become aware of it.

For example a loss of 2 kg on an average person over a few weeks is generally insignificant. The same amount of weight on a 20 kg dog equates to 10% of their body weight and may indicate an underlying disease process.

What is a healthy weight range for your dog?

There are some useful charts available that are a helpful guide to know the ideal weight for your pet.Click here to view the ideal bodyweight range for your dog by breed.

Please note: there can be significant variation between genetic lines within each breed and it can be difficult to predict the ideal weight of a cross-bred dog due to the presence of 2 or more breeds in its lineage.

The easiest way to assess your dogs ideal weight is to follow a few simple steps:

• Regularly run your hands over your dogs ribs. Can you feel their ribs easily or is there a significant layer of fat over the ribs?
• Observe your dog from above. Can you see a definite waist line or does it blend in to the hips?
• Observe your dog from the side. Can you see a waist line or is there a straight line from the chest to the back legs?
• Weigh your dog at least twice a year (your veterinary clinic will be more than happy for you to use their scales, and we can then record your dogs weight at the same time)

All of the above aspects are jointly used to determine a body condition score (see below diagram). Your veterinary team will be able to advise you on the ideal weight for your dog once the condition score is assessed. As indicated below, the ideal condition score is a 3.

Image supplied by Hill's Prescription Diet ~ Clinical Nutrition to Improve Quality of Life

What should you do if you notice your pet has suddenly lost weight?

As soon as you notice a loss in weight, especially over a short period of time it is important to get your dog checked by your veterinarian.

Some things to think about prior to your visit that may assist your veterinarian in determining the cause of the weight loss include the following questions.

1. Has there been any change in your dogs:

• Appetite (increased or decreased)?
• Drinking habits (increased or decreased)?
• Diet (eg changed brand of food, given any food scraps from the table recently, possibility of eating any foreign objects)?
• Faeces (eg any vomiting or diarrhoea)?
• Urination (increased frequency or any difficulty in urinating)?
• Behaviour (eg lethargic, sleepy, restless or hyperactive)?
• Mobility (eg difficulty in walking or getting up after resting)?
• Breathing (eg coughing or wheezing)?

2. When did you first notice the weight loss?

3. Has your dog had access to any toxins?

It is also helpful to know what medications your dog is receiving in regards to the prevention and control of intestinal worms, fleas and heartworm.

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination of your dog. From the clinical examination and history, a plan can then be formulated for the next step in the diagnostic process. Often a blood, urine or stool sample may be collected to assess your pets internal organs and general health.

Depending on the condition of your pet and the results from any initial diagnostic tests, further treatment and/or tests may be recommended. This could include admission into hospital for intravenous fluids and appropriate medical treatment, and further diagnostic tests such as radiography and/or ultrasonography.

What are some of the causes of rapid weight loss?

Apart from weight loss due to dehydration, rapid weight loss also occurs when your dog has a negative caloric balance. This means that the body is not receiving the necessary calories it needs to maintain a normal weight range. There are several conditions that could cause this including:

• Reduced appetite or intake of calories for some reason (eg severe dental disease can be painful and may prevent your pet from wanting to eat or chew)
• Reduced absorption of calories from the intestine (eg Inflammatory bowel disease can damage the intestinal wall and prevent calories being absorbed into the blood stream)
• Reduced ability to utilise calories due to an underlying medical condition (eg Diabetes Mellitus results in a lack of insulin which means the body is unable to absorb glucose from the blood stream)
• Increased loss of calories (eg vomiting or diarrhoea, renal disease)
• Increased requirement of calories (eg neoplasia)

The examples given are not an exhaustive list of diseases or problems causing rapid weight loss. Your vet will be able to give you more appropriate information and relevant treatment protocols once they have examined your dog and performed the appropriate diagnostic tests.

There are many reasons why a dog can lose weight rapidly so it is important that you take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice unexplained weight loss, as some of these conditions may be serious but many can also be treated successfully, especially if detected early.

It is recommended to visit your vet every 6 months once your dog is aged over 7 years old (which is roughly the equivalent of 50 human years). This allowsfor early detection and treatmentof disease processes that may otherwise lead to weight loss and ill health in your dog.

How To Lose Weight In 2 Weeks

Weight loss, especially in 2 weeks, does not have to be difficult. A good amount of diets or plans out there may give you fast weight loss, but often times you are fundamentally starving yourself and can bring you down. Many training programs like this are also not sustainable. If you are looking to to lose weight in 2 weeks, its better that you find something you can stay on consistently everyday, and that you arent starving your body. That way youll have the motivation to stick to your program and when you drop the excess fat you will keep it off.

Below weve put together a tip and trick on how to destroy weight in 2 weeks.

Be Focused and Realistic

The first thing when it comes to to dropping a few pounds in 2 weeks is to be sensible. Dont begin with the idea of losing 60 or 100 pounds in a 2 3 months, this would be insanely difficult and likely unsustainable. Instead, write down a few micro goals for example dropping 2 4 lbs per week. That way you will focus on short term milestones. Each time that you hit your fat loss goals youll become more motivated to increase your targets and hit them again the next week.

Write out your specific goals on post-its and place them in and around your house your on your nightstand, next to your TV, and so on. This will help you keep track of your goal and staying motivated all the time.

Another thing to consider is cutting types of foods or picking a diet program be practical as to what is sustainable. Cutting out candy or a few food groups for three months can get you the quick weight loss effect you are looking for but it will not continue on after you get off your plan or diet.

No More Carbs Healthy Fats and Protein

One issue that people working to drop a few pounds in 2 weeks have is carbs. Refined sugars such as candy, soda, sweets, and bread are the one of the biggest problems when it comes to losing weight in 2 weeks. Even though candies and drinks seem like trivial things, theyre basically packed with things that arent great for your. Simply limiting these types of drinks and food will have a really big impact on your fitness goals in as short as a few days.

Consuming a significant amount of protein each day is extremely important. Protein can help you develop lean muscle and boost your metabolism that will not only destroy your fat but help you keep it off. Foods such as tofu, chicken, eggs, are great ways to fill yourself up while providing you with the protein you need to fuel your metabolism for weight loss. Aim 35 grams of protein per meal, and only consuming 23 55 grams of carbohydrates a day.

Though uncommon knowledge, its not necessarily that fats that are bad its the carbs you have to watch. Some great sources of fat include avocado oil, nuts, and olive oil.

Especially for in 2 weeks weight loss, pair your protein and healthy fats with low carb vegetables like bok choy, spinach, and kale.

Exercise Weights and Cardio

Even Though working out the most effective way to weight loss it will help you progress faster. Aside from pure weight loss working out can l help with stress and energy levels along with sleep. The overall rule of thumb when it comes to losing weight is to expend more calories than you are consuming eating healthier helps with this, and exercise get your metabolism going in turn helping you lose weight faster.

One thing to keep in mind when youre working to lose weight in 2 weeks that you dont overdo it on the exercise especially the first days. Really its important that you find a few things that you can do consistently each month and not hurt your body and get unmotivated with a few hard exercise session.

For the purposes of losing weight in 2 weeks, aim to exercise 2 4 times each week. Even just 12 25 min will really help your overall health and weight loss journey. A mix of cardio and weights can make a huge difference. Cardio doesnt mean hours on an elliptical find what works for you. Other forms of cardio include:

• Brisk walk around the neighborhood
• Cycling / biking
• Swimming
• Stairs
• Elliptical
• Hiking

Lifting weights does not mean weighted squats and bench pressing. If youre a beginner, find a few light hand held weights and hold them while you do squats. Use the same weights to practice bicep curls and many other exercises. Overall its more important that you do some form of exercise.

Refeeds and Cheat Days

Going on a low carb, healthy diet will put you on the path to lose weight in 2 weeks, but we all deserve a cheat day. Set aside one day a week or 1 4 meals each week to have a cheat meal. If youve made good progress with your workouts and diet every week these cheat meals are both motivating and rewarding.

During these cheat meals you might gain some weight, but dont get discouraged because as long as you restrict it to these days youll drop the added weight a day or two after, fairly quickly and easily. The weight put in is probably just water weight.

6 Simple Tips

Now to simplify this guide, here are 6 simple things you can do to lose weight in 2 weeks.

1. Consume 14 ounces of water 15 35 min before having your meal. Water is not only good for you, but itll simulate fullness helping you with portion control, in turn helping you lose weight in 2 weeks.
2. Cut refined sugar, soda, and juices. Cut bread, pasta, and other refunded sugars. These are essentially empty calories.
3. 30 38 grams of protein every meal. Larger protein means more lean muscle and the more calories you intake from protein, less youll want to get from carbs to feel full.
4. Write down your weight in a journal daily. This will keep you both motivated and accountable. Weigh yourself at the same time everyday as your weight will fluctuate based on how much youre eating or drinking throughout the day.
5. Sleep. Sleep helps regulate your hormones and metabolism. Not enough sleep can destroy bodys ability to burn calories and process food.
6. Workout 3 4 days every week. Exercising regularly will help you help you sleep better, burn calories, and kick your metabolism into gear.

Takeaways

Once youve found a regular, healthy, weight loss program you can definitely expect to lose weight in 2 weeks. The first month of your weight loss journey you will likely lose the most weight as youre essentially shocking your system. You can lose up to 4 7 lbs the first week, a lot of which is water weight. After that, expect to lose 2 6 lbs a week, but dont get discouraged. As long as youre consistently shedding pounds and feeling good, youre on the right path. This is a healthy weight loss progression and any more can be unrealistic and even detrimental.

In the end weight loss is a lifestyle, and you should feel motivated doing it. Find a plan, stick to it and youll hit all of your weight loss goals, in 2 weeks! Happy health!

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