Pet Obesity Day is October 13th! Is your dog looking a bit portly? Does Fido only move quickly when he hears you open a food wrapper? If so, your pooch may be among the nearly 60 percent of pups that are, well, chubby. A Dallas, GA vet discusses obesity in dogs below.
Causes
As you could probably guess, diet and exercise are both major contributing factors that determine your dog’s weight. However, sometimes there are other reasons that dogs gain weight. An unspayed female could potentially be pregnant. Fido also sometimes packs on extra pounds as he ages. Certain medical problems can also influence your furry friend’s waistline. If you’re not sure why your pooch is getting round, consult your vet.
Risks
It may be easy to chuckle at chunky pets, but obesity is no joke. Fido will be at elevated risks of developing some very serious health problems, such as heart disease and liver/kidney issues. Other medical issues associated with obesity in pets include bone/joint issues, skin problems, reproductive issues, respiratory trouble, and higher chances of complications after surgery or anesthesia. Your canine pal will also have a shorter overall life expectancy and a higher risk of certain cancers than his fitter buddies.
Keeping Fido Fit
The best doggy exercise routine involves lots of walks. (Bonus: this is good for you, too!) Even if you have a fenced yard for Fido to run around in, you’ll want to take him on at least one walk each day. Of course, walks aren’t the only option. Some of our canine companions also enjoy things like swimming or hiking. Just make sure that your furry bff’s workout is suitable for his age, weight, and breed. Your vet can give you tips on this.
Diet
You may have noticed that Man’s Best Friend has a very healthy appetite. He’s also very, very good at convincing us to fork over treats or even share our food. Portion control is very important here. Just giving your dog a few calories too much each day can cause him to gain a pound a year. If you need to steel yourself against that sad stare, just remind yourself that you aren’t doing Fido any favors by overfeeding him. Ask your vet for nutritional advice.
Do you suspect that your dog needs to lose weight? Contact us, your Dallas, GA animal hospital, today!
