Humans appear to be attracted to chubby creatures, whether they are plump infants or obese pets. However, when dogs and their owner’s age, the health effects of obesity can be anything but endearing. What are the dangers of excessive canine weight gain? What are some of the most typical factors that contribute to weight gain? And at what point should you visit a doctor about your pet’s overweight?
How to Determine Whether Your Dog Is Obese
This page will tell us that that while individual recommendations vary, assessing whether your dog is overweight or obese is a matter of sight and touch. When pressing the sides of your dog, you should be able to feel her ribs. Numerous dog food manufacturers offer canine body condition charts to assist you in determining whether your dog should drop a few pounds.
Obesity-Related Health Issues in Dogs
If you check with a vet from this website, you will learn that excess weight is related to a variety of diseases and ailments. Among them are the following:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart and Respiratory Disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Orthopedic problems
- Skin disease
- Life expectancy decrease (up to 2.5 years)
What should you do if your dog requires a diet?
As with humans, there are a few time-tested weight-loss procedures. To begin, get a pet checkup and confirm that excess weight is not the result of an underlying health problem or disease. A vet should be consulted before making any adjustments to your dog’s diet or caloric consumption. Consider the following helpful advice after completing these steps:
Meal Recording
Maintaining a food diary is crucial for any weight-loss strategy in humans. Because dogs are unable to write, you will be required to do so for them. Keep track of the amount of kibble you are feeding with a measuring cup.
Create a Meal Schedule
Establish a meal schedule if you free-feed, leaving food out throughout the day. Place the food down for a certain amount of time, perhaps 15 minutes, and collect any food that is not consumed by the dog.
Limit Between-Meal Snacks
Dogs consume a lot of calories in addition to their regular food. These can range from training treats to a cookie slipped over the fence by a nice neighbor. Those calories add up. Determine the source of the extra rewards and keep a watch on the number of treats given to the dog.
Select Low-Calorie Goodies
Numerous store-bought sweets, notably biscuits, include a high-calorie content. The same can be said about chews. Certain dogs will eat fruits or vegetables equally well, including bananas, carrots, green beans, and apple slices.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
Your dog’s health will significantly improve if you take him for daily walks, and he will burn more calories if he participates in regular fun rather than becoming a puppy couch potato. Additionally, keeping children active prevents boredom. This improves their general quality of life and metabolism.
Conclusion
Obesity has a detrimental effect on virtually every system in the body. Obese dogs have an increased risk of anesthetic complications and medical costs, even when there are no apparent signs. Because excess weight is easier to prevent than to treat, keeping a healthy weight throughout your dog’s life can help keep them healthier, happier, and live longer.
