According to veterinarians, obesity is one of the biggest problems affecting canines. Sadly, the condition often leads to several health problems, some of which can shorten a dog's life. For example, pets that weigh too much are more susceptible to osteoarthritis since there is more stress placed on their joints. They also cope with rising blood pressure, issues with their pulmonary system, and heart disease. Given these risks, it's worth helping your dog avoid gaining too much weight. If he is already overweight, it's time to take steps to help him shed the excess pounds.
In this article, we'll explain why canines become overweight in the first place, so you'll know how to prevent it from occurring in your pet. We'll also explain how to check his weight, and monitor it over time. Lastly, you'll learn how to help an obese dog lose the extra pounds.
Reasons Dogs Gain Excess Weight
There are genetic factors that play a role. For example, some breeds, such as Dalmatians, are more likely to gain weight than others. Certain disorders can also contribute to the problem. This is the case with diabetes and Cushing's disease. For most canines, however, obesity is caused by the same factors that cause people to gain weight: consuming more calories than they burn.
Many pets do not receive sufficient exercise. They spend all day and evening lying on the floor, and rarely exert themselves. If they consume very few calories (while receiving the nutrients their bodies require), this may not pose a problem. Unfortunately, some owners give their canines far too much food given their sedentary lifestyles. The result? Their pets gain weight.
Checking And Monitoring Your Pet's Weight
It's easy to miss the problem. Because obesity occurs slowly over time, it may be difficult to identify it in your dog, despite there being clear signs. If he seems chronically sluggish as if he always lacks energy, there's a good chance he's carrying a few too many pounds.
Feel your pet's ribs. As your hands glide over his body, gently press inward. You should be able to note the individual bones of his ribcage. If you're unable to do so, he's likely overweight. Next, stand up and look directly down at his body. Does it taper inward as it progresses to his hindquarters? If not, your canine is carrying excess pounds. Finally, take a side-view look at his body. Past his ribs, his abdomen should curve upward. If it doesn't, your dog has a weight problem.
It's a good idea to monitor your canine's weight rather than react to obesity when you notice it. The reason is because preventing weight gain is always easier than shedding pounds. Use a scale. Weigh your pet each week, and note the results. This will help you identify problems while they are relatively minor.
Manage Your Pet's Food Consumption
Your dog's diet is critical. If he is overweight, review the amount of food you give to him, and the nutritional value it contains. Are you giving him high-calorie table scraps? Is he eating twice a day when a single daily meal will suffice? Are the treats you give him nutritious, or are they filled with sugar? A few dietary adjustments can play a huge role in helping your pet stay slim. They can also help him lose the extra pounds.
Increase Your Canine's Activity
Even the right foods can result in weight gain if your canine consumes too many calories without the benefit of daily exercise. You should already be taking him for at least one 30-minute walk each day. If you're not, start doing so. If you already take your dog for a walk each day, and he is still overweight, take him for two walks. Or, play games, such as fetch, that force him to run. The goal is to help him burn as many extra calories as possible.
Canine obesity is a serious condition since it can potentially shorten your pet's life. Check your dog's body, and note signs of extra pounds. Then, if necessary, take steps to help him lose them.
In this article, we'll explain why canines become overweight in the first place, so you'll know how to prevent it from occurring in your pet. We'll also explain how to check his weight, and monitor it over time. Lastly, you'll learn how to help an obese dog lose the extra pounds.
Reasons Dogs Gain Excess Weight
There are genetic factors that play a role. For example, some breeds, such as Dalmatians, are more likely to gain weight than others. Certain disorders can also contribute to the problem. This is the case with diabetes and Cushing's disease. For most canines, however, obesity is caused by the same factors that cause people to gain weight: consuming more calories than they burn.
Many pets do not receive sufficient exercise. They spend all day and evening lying on the floor, and rarely exert themselves. If they consume very few calories (while receiving the nutrients their bodies require), this may not pose a problem. Unfortunately, some owners give their canines far too much food given their sedentary lifestyles. The result? Their pets gain weight.
Checking And Monitoring Your Pet's Weight
It's easy to miss the problem. Because obesity occurs slowly over time, it may be difficult to identify it in your dog, despite there being clear signs. If he seems chronically sluggish as if he always lacks energy, there's a good chance he's carrying a few too many pounds.
Feel your pet's ribs. As your hands glide over his body, gently press inward. You should be able to note the individual bones of his ribcage. If you're unable to do so, he's likely overweight. Next, stand up and look directly down at his body. Does it taper inward as it progresses to his hindquarters? If not, your canine is carrying excess pounds. Finally, take a side-view look at his body. Past his ribs, his abdomen should curve upward. If it doesn't, your dog has a weight problem.
It's a good idea to monitor your canine's weight rather than react to obesity when you notice it. The reason is because preventing weight gain is always easier than shedding pounds. Use a scale. Weigh your pet each week, and note the results. This will help you identify problems while they are relatively minor.
Manage Your Pet's Food Consumption
Your dog's diet is critical. If he is overweight, review the amount of food you give to him, and the nutritional value it contains. Are you giving him high-calorie table scraps? Is he eating twice a day when a single daily meal will suffice? Are the treats you give him nutritious, or are they filled with sugar? A few dietary adjustments can play a huge role in helping your pet stay slim. They can also help him lose the extra pounds.
Increase Your Canine's Activity
Even the right foods can result in weight gain if your canine consumes too many calories without the benefit of daily exercise. You should already be taking him for at least one 30-minute walk each day. If you're not, start doing so. If you already take your dog for a walk each day, and he is still overweight, take him for two walks. Or, play games, such as fetch, that force him to run. The goal is to help him burn as many extra calories as possible.
Canine obesity is a serious condition since it can potentially shorten your pet's life. Check your dog's body, and note signs of extra pounds. Then, if necessary, take steps to help him lose them.
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