If you think only a few pet owners have obese dogs, you’re mistaken. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s survey in 2018, almost 50% of dogs in the US are overweight. Our four-legged companion’s fitness and health will depend upon us, and whether they get obese is proof of how we care for them.
So if you’re thinking about what caused your dog to be overweight or simply curious about preventing it in your pet, we’ll tell you everything we know as we proceed.
What causes dog obesity?
People nowadays are frequently drawn to pudgy puppies, plump babies, and other chubby things. However, the health impacts connected with obesity when their babies and pet dogs grow up are far from cute. Luckily, pet obesity is among the most preventable and treatable conditions. So to improve your awareness of preventing your pet from getting overweight, we’ve detailed the five leading causes of canine obesity.
1. Overfeeding
Overfeeding is among the obvious ways canines become obese. If you live in a family that loves pets, your furry companion might overeat without you knowing, as your family members may feed them human foods or treats at different times and more than what they should consume daily.
However, your pet’s food or treat consumption can be easily monitored by marking a calendar or whiteboard in your living room so all your family members can see and keep track. Did you know that obesity can even happen in exotic pets? This is why it’s always vital to track their food intake and routinely take them to facilities like Clearlake Veterinary Clinic, CA, to ensure they’re healthy and living their best life in their enclosure.
2. Lack of exercise
Getting too little or no exercise is a common reason canines gain weight. Although the amount of exercise dogs need will depend upon their size, age, and breed, go for 20-60 minutes of activity with your pet daily. But if your pet hasn’t exercised the whole week or month, do not instantly go for a 3-mile run with them, as this may cause shock and strain to their body.
Should your canine get broken bones or fractures during your exercise with them, immediately stop the activity and have them inspected by a veterinary surgery specialist for urgent treatment.
3. Aging
As dogs age, their activity and energy level may drop, leading them to burn fewer calories. Like people, pets lose muscle when they age. The loss of muscle mass can lead to slower metabolism, resulting in fat gain. If you don’t change their diet plan to compensate for their lack of exercise, they might gain more unnecessary pounds.
4. Injuries or health conditions
Pets struggling with chronic conditions, injuries, or illnesses can impact their weight. And it’s also obvious that pets with mobility issues or pain due to certain health conditions are less likely to exercise than healthier ones. Since they have lower energy requirements than active and fit dogs, they can be easily overfed and gain more weight.
If your pet is in a state where it can’t freely exercise, talk with a Clearlake vet about the light exercise routines that will help them remain healthy without any discomfort and strains.
5. Spay/neuter
Did you know that a decrease in sex hormones can make your pet feel hungrier and physically inactive? If you’re seeing the same signs for your recently sterilized pet, seek your veterinarian’s advice for the proper food plans for your dog who has acquired unnecessary weight due to neutering or spaying.
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