The prevalence of Obesity in dogs has turned out to be a growing concern for pet owners. Just like us, excessive weight in our pets can induce numerous health issues and reduce the quality of life. As responsible pet parents, it is important to know the possible causes, potential risks, and mindful strategies for managing obesity in dogs. This blog provides effective tips for Tackling Dog Obesity: A Guide to Weight Management in your beloved pet.

Ideal Male & Female Dog Weight in Different Breeds 

Source: Akc.org

Health Problems

If you can easily feel your dog’s ribs and chest perfectly covering his waist, it implies an ideal body structure. However, if his ribs cannot be felt due to a thick layer of fat or more tummy is visible, it might imply that your dog is overweight and needs a vet’s consultation. Obesity can bring in multiple health risks as listed below:

Diabetes

Obese dogs develop Diabetes Mellitus causing symptoms like increased consumption of water, frequent urination, altered appetite, urinary infections, vomiting, low energy, and eye problems.

Joint Problems

Excessive weight exerts pressure on joints, which reduces mobility and leads to arthritis. It increases the risk of joint damage and subsequent osteoarthritis causing inflammation and chronic pain.

Heart Disease

Obesity strains the heart which leads to cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure. Excess fat building up can clog the arteries and result in a heart attack.  

Respiratory Issues

Excess weight can lead to Asthma and impaired breathing. It contributes to respiratory problems like laryngeal paralysis, collapsed trachea, and narrow airways causing sleeplessness and snoring. 

Reduced Lifespan

As per the University of Liverpool, obesity adversely affects your dog by reducing his chances of survival. Allowing your pet to eat too much and not get enough exercise shortens your dog’s lifespan by 2 years.

Identify the Cause

Understanding the root causes of dog obesity is essential to effectively curb the issue. Check out the possible causes below: 

Overfeeding

Overfeeding is the biggest contributor to weight gain. Some of the common sins of overfeeding are digestive issues, gastric problems, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, skin disorders, molting, and lethargy. 

Lack Of Exercise

Insufficient physical activity restricts dogs from burning calories, which leads to obesity. Outside activities like walking, running, swimming, or hiking can be a great way out since dogs love such activities. Sufficient exercising even reduces anxiety problems, excessive licking, barking, chewing, digging, etc.

Genetic Factors

Certain breeds are more prone to obesity due to genetic factors. These breeds include Pugs, Beagles and Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Border Terriers and Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas, German shepherds, and Shih Tzu. Parents of these pet breeds need to be more mindful of their diets and exercise routine.

Age and Neutering

Older dogs and neutered/spayed canines have a higher risk of weight gain. Irrespective of gender, weight management must be focused on after your pet is neutered. Moreover, older dogs are likely to be obese because of decreased activity, energy levels, caloric needs, and lower metabolism rates.

Medical Conditions

Underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism, insulinoma, hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease, reproductive disorders, and genetic syndromes contribute to obesity in dogs.

 Weight Management Plan

To ensure a healthy weight, consider the following Weight Management Plan:

Consult a Veterinarian

Seek professional advice to strategize your dog’s weight management plan and discuss tailored nutritional monitoring. With all the follow-up consultations and veterinary supervision, it becomes easier and more reliable to make progress. 

Portion Control 

Measure and regulate your dog’s food intake to avoid overfeeding. Measure out the appropriate portion of each meal using a kitchen scale. Track the food portions and monitor your dog’s weight to make alterations in the diet accordingly.

Balanced Diet 

Provide high-quality, low-calorie dog food, limit treats, or opt for healthier alternatives. Feed your pooch his normal food in the morning but replace his second meal with cucumbers and buttermilk, and a multi-vitamin diet in the evening. Switching to healthier options will help you get visible results. 

Regular Exercise 

Engage your pooch in daily physical activities such as walks, playtime, and interactive games to burn calories and stimulate them mentally. Likewise, running. Swimming, treadmill training, and similar activities are among the effective weight loss strategies. 

Behavioral Enrichment

Provide mental stimulants such as toys, puzzles, and activities to prevent boredom-related overeating. Aiming for steady progress is a holistic way to lose weight and inculcate good habits for the long run.

Patience and Consistency 

Weight loss is a slow process that requires you to be patient as well as consistent. Ensure gradual weight loss so that you are not being too harsh on your pet. Resist the temptation to indulge your dog excessively and create a healthy lifestyle for them.    

To keep your dog free from digestive issues and improve enzyme secretion in the stomach, intestine, and liver, try Pacho Pet– The Ayurvedic Digestive Stimulant. 

Dog obesity is a serious health concern that demands the attention of pet owners. By understanding the risks, identifying the causes, and implementing effective weight management strategies, you can help your furry friends live longer and happier. So let’s keep our pooches fit, active, and full of vitality for years to come. Hope we could Help you in Tackling Dog Obesity: A Guide to Weight Management.

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