Just like humans, dogs can become obese. Whether as a result of overfeeding or inactivity due to illness or injury, dogs suffer greatly from the symptoms of obesity. It’s not just a matter of being overweight. Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
You may think you’re showing your dog you love them by supplementing their meals with human food or adding extra treats into their regime. However, you may be literally killing your dog with kindness. Obesity in dogs is easy to avoid by following recommended guidelines when it comes to feeding and exercise. If your dog is already obese, you can help your canine companion lose weight by encouraging healthy exercise and making some small changes to their diet.
Obesity in dogs is caused by overfeeding and under-exercising. If your dog is consuming more calories than they can burn off, then they will store it as fat. Certain foods are more likely to cause obesity in dogs, such as those with high-fat content.
Your dog may also be obese as a result of an existing health condition. Obesity is a symptom of a variety of conditions, including hypothyroidism, insulinoma, and hyperparathyroidism.
Preventing obesity in dogs is as simple as ensuring your dog is expending the energy they are consuming. Ask your vet about the recommended daily calorie intake for your dog – this can vary between breeds. They’ll also inform you of how long your dog needs walking for each day and whether they need any additional exercise.
If your canine companion is already obese, it’s time to start making some lifestyle changes. Explore longer walks in your local area or take them to a gated area and let them play with a ball. Discover what activities your dog loves and do them as frequently as you can.
When it comes to food, it’s important to follow your vet’s advice with regards to feed type and portion sizes. Your vet may advise changing your dog’s brand of food to a lower calorie alternative. They may also advise reducing portion sizes gradually so your dog can burn off the fat they are already carrying through thorough exercise.
