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Overweight Dogs

What Are The Health Risks of Canine Obesity?

Overweight Dogs Are Not Healthy

Simply put, if your pet is heavy, he (or she) is either eating more calories than they need or there may be other health issues that need to be addressed by your local veternarian. Most likely, overweight dogs will probably have some health problems down the road. Being overweight can add to the downfall of any dog's health, strength, and energy. If your dog is overweight, you owe it to yourself and your dog to find out what causes canine obesity.

Causes of Canine Obesity:

  Lack of Exercise:  Eating vs. exercise formula - beware if your dog eats more than he (or she) burns off. Provide enough exercise for your dog to compensate what he (or she) is eating on a daily basis.

  Feeding Habits:  Poor feeding habits is a major cause of canine obesity and it comes in the form of table scraps or leftovers. Feeding table scraps can also create problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or vitamin A toxicity.

  Slow Matabolism:  A dog's matabolism will slow with age - around 5 or 6. Discuss with your veternarian how you can adjust feedings to account for this.

  Neutering or Spaying:  Neutering or spaying your dog will slow it's matabolism down. Keeping your dog on a balanced diet with exercise can control the weight gain.

  Breed of Dog:  Certain dog breeds are more prone to weight gain. A few notable breeds are: Beagles, cocker spaniels, shelties, dachshunds, and golden retrievers.

  Hormone Disorders:  Some health disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease can lead to obesity.

Does Your Dog Need To Shed Extra Pounds?

If so, you may want to modify the way he (or she) is being fed and what food is being eaten. It may very well be the dog food or it very well might be all the table scraps your dog is being fed. It could also be too many treats. Seriously consider visiting your veternarian to start your dog on a diet. Be diligent about sticking to that diet. Your dog is dependent on you for its health. Like most dogs, your dog will eat anything you put in front of him. Care should be taken your dog is not overfed. Calories add up fast and could create further health problems.

Health Problems Related To Obesity In Dogs:

gastrointestinal problems skin disease pancreatitis diabetes liver, lung or heart disease hip dysplasia arthritis

Just like us overweight humans, your overweight dog will not be able to enjoy life to the fullest either. Being overweight can make for a very unhappy and grouchy dog. Although your dog can not tell you, if overweight, he (or she) will most likely experience the following:

uncomfortableness difficulty exercising heat becomes problematic more encounters with the vet risks of surgery due to increased strain on its heart and circulation lower defenses

Testing Your Dog's Fat Level

It is not difficult to test your overweight dog's fat level. Make sure your dog is standing, put the palms of your hands over the dogs rib cage on the sides, (not on the stomach underneath). Run your fingers lightly along the sides of the dog and you should be able to feel a bone. If you cannot feel anything, ask someone else for a second opinion and study your dog. It can be difficult to admit to oneself if your dog is overweight.

Starting a Diet Plan

Take your dog to your veterinarian if suspecting your puppy or dog is getting overweight. Weigh your dog several times a year rather than waiting for annual vet visit results. It is pretty obvious that for a dog that has a weight problem the amount of food being consumed must be reduced. Although not very complicated, it can actually be quite a difficult thing to handle if your emotions get in the way. Dieting is actually something more difficult for you than for your dog. You need to be your dog's willpower. In the end, your dog will only eat what you give him.

Rules to follow with your overweight dog's diet:

Make sure your family is in agreement to help you with the problem. Don't allow your dog to eat with other animals while he is on a diet. Divide "allowed portions" into 2 portions per day instead of once a day. Remain steady with a diet program and don't allow your dog to cheat. Cut back 50% on treat giving. What treats you do allow, break in half. Feed a Super Premium Dog Food. Poor quality dog food leaves your dog hungry. If your dog is a beggar when you eat, place him in a room or crate until dinner is over. Substitute normal treats with apples or carrots. Exercise daily - start taking your dog for daily walks - 10 to 15 minutes per day. Weigh your dog monthly if not weekly.

The amount of weight a dog should lose varies between smaller and bigger dogs. Diets may last up to around 3 months. Your local veternarian should be contacted to decide the kinds of diet and length of time with which overweight dogs need to remain on diets.

Good luck with your overweight dog's diet! Long live your loveable pooch!

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Please Note:  Always consult your dog's veterinarian before making any dog health care decisions. Your veternarian will be able to help you decide the best course of action when it comes to caring for your dog.

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