It’s not just people who have problems with excess weight and obesity. Dogs can have this problem too. As with people, obesity in dogs can lead to many other serious health conditions. That’s why dogs, like humans, also need to maintain their proper weight.
Here are just some of the health risks of overweight dogs:
● Sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Overweight dogs need more insulin than what their body can produce, which leads to diabetes.
● Damage to joints, muscles, tendons, and bones. The increased weight load can really take a toll on their bodies.
● Breathing difficulties. The extra fat keeps their lungs from expanding normally. What really compounds the breathing problem is that the extra weight increases their body’s need for oxygen.
● High blood pressure. The heart has to work harder to pump blood for the bigger body. This can lead to heart failure.
● Heat intolerance. Having lots of fat is good if you’re in the Arctic. If it’s summer time, too much fat can make dogs less able to regulate their body temperature.
● Reduced stamina. Carrying around all that extra weight can be tiring.
● Lower resistance to infection. Various infections such as salmonella are more severe for overweight dogs.
● Digestive issues. With the extra weight comes the increased chance of constipation and flatulence. It’s not exactly a pleasant prospect.
● Reproductive problems. If your overweight female dog gets pregnant, there are higher chances of complications when it’s time for them to give birth. They can have breathing problems, which is a condition called dystocia. This breathing difficulty will require the assistance of a vet when it comes to the birthing. A cesarean also becomes more likely to be needed.
● Increased chances of fur and skin problems. Overweight dogs can form different oils that can accumulate in skin folds. This situation can lead to infections.
So what’s to be done about canine obesity? If you want to reduce the health risks of overweight dogs, then you need to watch their diet and exercise.
For their diet, you need to limit their calorie intake while you still meet their nutritional requirements. You’ll need food that’s higher in digestible protein and fiber, with lower fat content. Check that the food also has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and L-carnitine for improved fat metabolism and lean muscle mass development.
You may want to reduce your use of treats to reward good behavior, and substitute affectionate acts instead. You should also take away the food when they’re done eating, so that they can’t eat whenever they want.
As for their exercise, it’s a good idea to play with your dog more often. Start with brisk walks for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. You can also use toys that your dog can actively play with even when you’re not in the mood for play.
When it comes to obesity, dogs are just like their masters. They need to consume fewer calories, and they need to be more active so they can burn more calories and fat. By watching their diet and exercise, you can reduce the overweight dog’s health risks.
Keep your beloved pet dogs healthy and fit by enrolling them in our fun, safe, and effective Oahu K9 Weight Loss Bootcamp or Dog Adventure Camp programs!