Concerned about Dog Obesity? Here is all you need to know!

One of the biggest health problems faced by pet dogs all over the world is obesity. As much as 50 percent of pets are overweight. Much like in the case of human beings, obesity can relatively shorten the lifespan of a dog. So, pet parents must be on high alert if their beloved pet is packing on the pounds. If unchecked, obesity can cause your pet to suffer and become immobile. Armed with the right knowledge, you can help your dog sustain a healthy life. Learn more about what you can do as a pet parent to protect your dog from obesity.

What is canine obesity?

When fat is accumulated in a dog’s body, it causes obesity. This excess fat makes your dog larger, slows their pace, and potentially decreases their lifespan by 6 to 12 months. Lots of reasons can cause your dog to put on weight. Some of them include overeating, not exercising enough, or even underlying health issues that are causing them to put on more weight than they can shed. Unnecessary weight can cause your dog to have joint problems, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many more health conditions.

There are a few visual cues that you could look out for to see if your dog’s weight needs to be regulated. You can do this by assessing your dog’s body at home. For this, you need to subject your pet to the hand test or the body condition score (BCS) score system. The first thing you need to do is start feeling your dog’s ribs just behind their front legs. If at all the ribs feel like the back of your hand, then your furry friend is in superb condition. If the ribs feel like your knuckles, then they are in dire need of more meat on their bones and their mouths. Lastly, if the ribs feel like the palm of your hand, then you have yourself an overweight dog. Alternatively, you can measure your dog’s weight and obtain a BCS at home. The criteria for measuring body condition are underweight, ideal weight, overweight, and obese. Your dog is underweight if the ribs and bones are visible from a distance. If you can feel your dog’s ribs with a pat, then your dog has an ideal weight. Meanwhile, your pet is overweight if you cannot feel their ribs and bones with gentle petting. Lastly, if you are only able to feel your dog’s ribs with pressure then your dog is obese. In a 9-point BCS scoring system, a score greater than 7 is deemed obese.

Prevention of obesity in dogs

If you have the slightest inclination that your dog is putting on weight, then there are a few measures you can take to keep it fit. A healthy diet is an absolute must for any dog to live a healthy life. Your furry friend needs good quality food that is high in nutrition. Your dog may not refuse a second helping, but portion control is key for weight regulation. Refrain from serving large portions to smaller dogs. Keep mealtimes consistent so that your pet does not keep asking for food at more frequent intervals.

The larger your canine the more exercise it may need. Dogs require regular walks to stay in shape and agile. The duration of these walks depends on the breed and size of your pet. Games like fetch could help fat dogs burn calories. You may consult the veterinarian to help outline your dog’s routine based on your pet’s breed.

Managing obesity in dogs

You may reach out to the vet for tips on how to structure an effective weight-loss plan for your chubby pet. A combination of healthy food and regular exercise is sure to help your dog lose undesirable weight quickly. Measuring your dog’s food before serving will ensure you do not overfeed it. Weigh your dog routinely to keep them from becoming overweight. Avoid giving your pet too many treats in a day.

Obese dogs can be brought down to their ideal weight with a nutritious and controlled diet ensuring they live healthy and happy lives.