Obesity is when a dog weighs at least 30% more than it should. Over 2/3s of American dogs are obese. Too much fat will strain your dog’s joints and can lead to several diseases, reducing your dog’s quality of life. Obesity is linked with diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
All dogs are prone to obesity, but some are more at risk, including:
Dogs with diabetes
Dogs with hypothyroidism
CAUSES:
Excessive calorie intake
Not enough exercise
Genetic disposition
SIGNS:
There are many obvious signs that your dog suffers from obesity, some of which are:
Minimal activity (does not want to jump into the car, does not want to climb stairs)
Pants after minor movement
Extra body fat
No visible waist
Ribs cannot be felt
DIAGNOSIS:
In order to properly diagnose your dog with obesity, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam.
TREATMENT:
To lose weight, your dog must burn more calories than it eats. Recommended treatment consists of:
Gradually eating less – cut out table scraps and treats
Eating lower calorie food
Exercising more (walking, running, swimming, playing)
If your dog is not losing weight, it may need further evaluation to rule out other diseases. Your veterinarian may prescribe a specific diet or even medication.
PREVENTION:
To prevent your dog from obesity:
Don’t give it human treats and scraps
Give dog treats sparingly
Do lots of exercise with your dog
PROGNOSIS:
By reducing your pet’s weight, and increasing its exercise, your pet can live a long and healthy life. Strict, long-term maintenance is required to maintain a healthy body weight.
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