Humans appear to have an affinity for chubby creatures, whether plump infants or obese pets. However, when dogs and their owner’s age, the health effects of obesity can be anything but adorable. What are the dangers associated with excessive weight gain in a dog? Which of the following are the most frequent reasons for weight gain? And when is it appropriate to consult a physician regarding an overweight pet?
How to Determine Whether Your Dog Is Obese
While individual recommendations vary, assessing whether your dog is overweight or obese requires a visual and tactile assessment. When touching your dog’s sides, you should feel her ribs. A vet checkup can provide canine body condition charts to assist you in determining whether your dog needs weight loss.
Obesity-Related Health Issues in Dogs
Excess weight is related to a slew of ailments and problems. There are several of these.
- 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 people, there are a few tried-and-true weight-loss procedures. See a veterinarian to confirm that excess weight is not caused by an underlying health problem or disease. A vet should be consulted before making any adjustments to your dog’s diet or caloric consumption. You should visit them here and discuss the best options. Consider the following helpful hints after you’ve completed these steps.
Meal Recording
Food diaries are crucial components of any human weight-loss strategy. Because dogs are unable to write, you will be required to do so on their behalf. Keep track of the amount of kibble you feed your dog with a measuring cup.
Create a Meal Schedule
Establish a plan for meals if you free-feed, leaving food out throughout the day. Place the food down for a certain period of time, perhaps not more than 15 minutes, and collect any food that the dog does not consume.
Limit Between-Meal Snacks
Dogs consume a lot of calories in addition to their regular diet. This could be anything from training treats to a cookie slipped over the fence by a nice neighbor. This adds up. Determine the source of the extras and monitor the dog’s reward intake.
Select Low-Calorie Goodies
Numerous calorie-dense store-bought sweets, particularly biscuits, are available. Likewise, chews are similar. Certain dogs will eat fruits and vegetables as 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 playtime rather than being a puppy couch potato. Additionally, occupying them prevents boredom. This improves their general quality of life and metabolic rate.
Conclusion
Obesity impairs nearly every system in the body. Obese dogs have an increased risk of anesthetic complications and medical costs, despite the absence of apparent signs. Because excess weight is easier to prevent than to treat, keeping a healthy weight for the remainder of your dog’s life can help keep them healthy, happy, and live longer.
