Dogs that don't get much exercise do not need as many calories as dogs that do. Pay attention to your dog's energy and activity levels and the potential reasons they might be changing.  Also, think about the things you can do to help keep your less-active dog fit.

Inactive dogs are more likely to put on extra pounds since they don't burn as many calories. This puts them at risk for obesity, which may increase the risk for a variety of health ailments. Learn more about Obesity .

What Is an Inactive Dog?

There is no precise definition for an inactive dog, but you probably can tell if your dog fits this category. Inactive dogs don't get much exercise and often don't seem to have much interest in exercise - dogs that prefer to sleep, don't run when they go outside or tend to move as little as possible most likely fit this category.

Why Is a Dog Inactive?

Dogs might be inactive for a variety of reasons including:

• Age: As dogs grow older, their energy levels tend to drop.
• Illness or Injury: Physical ailments can make it harder for dogs to move as much as they once did. These slowdowns may be temporary, but adjustments should still be made.
• Overweight: Dogs that are overweight tend to be less active. This can create a downward spiral. The more overweight, the less active, and the less active, the more overweight.

Feeding an Inactive Dog

If you have an inactive dog, you should try to feed the right amount of calories for your dog's activity level. If your dog is in ideal body condition and isn't gaining weight, you're feeding the right amount. But if your dog has become less active while his feeding has remained the same and he's getting overweight, try these tips:

• First, cut back on treats. These are generally high in calories and may contribute to weight gain.
• The second step can be to feed less of your dog's regular pet food. Measure the amount of food that's put into the pet's dish to prevent the serving size from increasing over time.
• Third, owners can increase their dog's exercise with additional walks or playtime each day. This helps the pet owner as well as the pet, and has the additional benefit of increasing the amount of time the pet and owner spend together.
• Finally, a pet owner could consider switching to a reduced-calorie food. These products are designed to allow an owner to serve a nice-size portion while still reducing the calories the dog eats.

It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before changing a pet's diet. A veterinarian can help tailor a program for an individual pet and can track progress and help troubleshoot along the way.