January 8, 2019
The Overweight Dog: Does Your Pet Need a New Year’s Resolution?
When dogs love to eat, it can be difficult to resist their sweet, begging eyes. In the United States, however, it is estimated that well over 50% of dogs are overweight or obese. This means that more than 50% of dogs also face serious medical problems.
What’s the Harm in a Roly-PolyPet?
Do extra pounds mean you have more dog to love? Obesity is one of the most harmful things for a dog’s health. Carrying extra pounds causes serious medical problems including:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- trouble breathing
- skin and coat concerns
- joint disease and arthritis
- mobility issues
These medical problems also exacerbate weight problems, as they reduce pet’s energy, activity level and lead to further weight gain.
3 Steps to Spotting an Overweight Dog
One of the main reasons so many dogs struggle with weight management is that people don’t know what overweight dogs looks like. People often confuse healthy dogs with underweight dogs.
- Look for a Waist
When viewed from above, a healthy dog should have a visible waist that narrows behind the rib cage. A sausage-shaped dog needs to lose a few pounds.
- Feel for Ribs
With most breeds, visible ribs are considered underweight. You should, however, be able to feel your dog’s rib cage under a thin layer of fat.
- Check for an Abdominal Tuck
When viewed from the side, your dog’s tummy should tuck in upward toward the hind legs. A belly which does tuck or which hangs below the rib cage is a sign of obesity.
Why Do Some Dogs Gain Too Much Weight?
Like humans, dogs put on extra pounds for lots of different reasons and often more than one concern is to blame. Overweight dogs might be taking in too many calories by eating too much all at once or throughout the day in a combination of meals, treats and scraps. Sometimes, a lack of exercise is to blame and other times, there can be an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism, that causes a dog to put on the pounds.
Help Your Pet Achieve or Maintain a Healthy Weight
Help your dog achieve a healthy weight by scheduling a weight management appointment with our Escondido veterinarian. We will help you rule out any underlying conditions, establish a healthy nutrition plan and provide strategies for increasing your pet’s activity level.