The Dangers of Obesity in Dogs and How to Keep Your Pup Fit

Pet parents love to find their pups' tails wagging with joy and their paws racing across the grass. If your furry companion struggles under the weight of an unhealthy body and hesitates to walk under an aching joint, this is a sign of distress that should raise the alarm. However, innumerable dogs are silently battling their all-time deadly enemy, obesity. Unlike any charming extra roll of fluff, excessive weight stands as the ticking time bomb threatening your dog's happiness, health, and lifespan.

Loving your pup involves more than just belly rubs or offering treats. You have to ensure that they stay strong, fit, and full of life. A few extra pounds ward them off their energy, their ability to play outdoors, or even spend time with you. But this is not the fate you wanted for your furry buddy. So, how to tell if a dog is overweight? A couple of mindful changes can turn the tide, preventing obesity in dogs, restoring their vitality, and adding several years of joyful companionship.

Why Obesity is More Than Just a Weight Issue

Like humans, dogs become ill due to carrying excess weight. In the case of dogs, obesity is simply a matter of cuteness and softness, but the quality of their lives takes center stage. Studies indicate that about 56% of dogs in the US are either overweight or obese. These conditions contribute to other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, joint problems (arthritis), and even more lethal diseases, including cancer. 

Excessive weight places too much stress on the dog's joints, causing arthritic conditions. The excess fat overburdens the liver, heart, and kidneys, which then overwork in trying to eliminate metabolic waste products. Dog obesity can sometimes become disabling, which really reduces the lifespan and vitality of small breeds like Miniature Dachshunds. So, we need to get rid of dog obesity and instead help foster a happy dog lifestyle.

The Causes Behind Obesity in Dogs

Different factors contribute significantly to dog obesity, and several of them are preventable. So, we will now take a closer look at the main culprits that might lead to the obese dog.

Poor Diet and Overfeeding

A poor diet is one of the major reasons behind dog obesity. Numerous commercial dog foods are loaded with artificial ingredients and fillers and are rich in caloric content. You are adding to the issues when you serve them large portions or feed your pups only table scraps. Treats are another major contributor, although they are the best way to reward your pup. However, refrain from using them in large portions of their regular caloric intake and maintain proper probiotics in their nutrition diet.

Lack of Exercise

Generally, exercise improves a dog's health and physical condition and leads to weight management. However, most dogs cannot find time for exercise because their families are busily occupied with owners who are very fatigued or don't have sufficient time to walk or do something else with them. Exercise such as walking, chasing a walk, or agility classes will help burn calories very effectively.

Breed Disposition

A few specific dog breeds are prone to obesity. Small dog breeds like Labradoodles are genetically at risk of gaining weight quickly. This does not mean that the dogs will become obese automatically, but it involves taking extra precautions to monitor their diet and exercise routines.

Age and Medical Conditions

As your dog starts aging, its metabolism slows down, putting it at risk of gaining weight. Medical conditions such as Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism can contribute significantly to obesity. If you find your dog is gaining weight, make some changes to its diet and exercise routine, and visit the vet for a health check-up.

Understanding the Dangers of Obesity in Dogs

The accumulation of excessive dog fat impacts how they look and affects different parts of their bodies, like their joints and hearts. Every pet owner should identify the risks and start making healthier choices for their furry buddies.

Increased Risk of Joint and Mobility Issues

Excessive weight places a huge strain on dogs' joints, leading to conditions such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and ligament injuries. The additional pressures cause cartilage abrasions that make their movement extremely tough and painful. Several obese dogs hesitate to exercise or engage in any physical activity. This eventually creates a vicious cycle where less activity leads to significant weight gain, worsening their joint health.

Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure

Obesity often forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. This strain leads to hypertension or high blood pressure and a huge risk of heart disease. Dogs who have cardiovascular issues due to obesity often show signs of fatigue, breathing difficulty, or reduced stamina at times of physical activity.

Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders

Obese dogs are at a greater vulnerability to developing diabetes mellitus. Whenever a dog has excessive fat, their ability to generate insulin gets disrupted, causing fatally high blood sugar levels. Diabetes management in dogs involves insulin injections, stringent dietary limitations, using a vegan diet, and consistent monitoring. This leads to a huge overload on the pet parents as well as their furry companions.

Breathing Difficulties and Heat Intolerance

Obese dogs often struggle to breathe, mainly for the breeds with short noses or are brachycephalic, like Pugs or French Bulldogs. Additional fat around their neck and chest areas will obstruct airflow, making it hard to breathe. These dogs excessively pant, struggle even with mild levels of exercise and experience huge difficulties during the hot weather.

Increased Risk of Cancer

Studies have revealed a connection between obesity and the huge chances of specific cancers in dogs. Excessive fat tissues often promote inflammation and abnormal cellular growth that increases the chances of cancer. While maintaining optimal weight does not assure cancer prevention, it plays a critical role in reducing the risks that are linked with obesity-based inflammation.

Shortened Lifespan

Obese dogs have a short lifespan, and this is the most heartwrenching consequence. Studies have revealed that overweight dog lives an average of two years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. The strains on their bodies, along with their high vulnerability to chronic diseases, notably influence their longevity.

How to Keep Your Dog Fit and Healthy

Prevention is the critical approach for every pet parent. When you are concerned about your dog's weight or wish to keep it healthy, there are a couple of steps you can undertake to maintain its optimal weight.

No Free Feeding

The proactive approach to managing dogs' weight starts right in your home. Try scheduling their meals and avoid free feeding them instead of keeping food bowls filled and accessible to your dog. If you plan on sharing your plate of food, then ensure that you choose the right ones, like the vegetables or the meat, that are good to share. Always keep in mind to avoid sharing highly processed food. 

Count The Treats

It is essential to count calories, so ensure you keep a close count on the treats you offer your fur buddy. Treats are the ideal motivation for your dog to exercise or try any new meal. But an unmoderated amount of treats piles up more calories in your pup's body. If you fail to meet your schedule and choose the right treat time for your pup, it becomes tough to draw out a good weight management plan for your dog.

Gradual Increase In Exercise

Other than food or treat moderation, it is extremely essential to ensure that your dog is getting sufficient physical exercise for the effective management of their weight, leading to a happy pup. Each dog has different needs for exercise, and their limits should be thoroughly discussed with your vet. But walking is the most straightforward and fun way to meet those. Try to carry some dog treats and train them during the walk, as it helps increase their exercise intensity; however, ensure to stay gentle and not overboard them with this process.

Underlying Health Issues 

When you have everything under your watch and still find no outcomes, then it might be the time to suspect any underlying health condition your dog might have. Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing Syndrome often trigger obesity in dogs. Furthermore, it is also good to check your female dog for pregnancy in case they are unsterilized or have been in contact with any other unsterilized dogs. Before initiating a good dog weight control plan, it is recommended to visit the vet and check to find where you need to make any adjustments for their medicines or any other medical conditions.

Conclusion

Dog obesity is a severe health issue, leaving a huge impact on the overall well-being of your pup. The best approach for effective weight management in dogs involves keeping a close tab on their diet, offering them an adequate level of exercise regularly, and routine vet checks to make them stay fit, healthy, and happy throughout. It involves a huge commitment in terms of maintaining a healthier weight in your dog, but the lasting rewards are all worth the effort. Taking small steps in making positive changes to your dog's routine can pave the path for a more fulfilling and healthier life.