Health Risks of Obesity in Dogs
Understanding the Importance of Diet and Exercise for Fat Pets
Aug 15, 2008
As Americans pack on the pounds, so do their dogs. Due to modern conveniences, more dog owners now lead sedentary lifestyles while indulging in tasty comfort foods. And who sits right there beside them on the sofa? Fido, of course, who is keeping his eye on the chip bag because he knows he can expect a few bites too. And who can blame him? He doesn’t have to work for food as do animals in the wild. His job is to be simply a companion.
How Obesity Harms Your Dog
We all love our pets and want to give them the little “extras treats” that life offers but it’s up to us to see that they are healthy. Understanding the risks associated with obesity can help us to ignore those pleading eyes and give our dogs attention and exercise in place of overfeeding.
- Arthritis, cruciate ligament injuries, spinal disc problems, and hip dysplasia can all be caused by or aggravated by extra stress on the skeletal structure.
- Heart failure can be the result of fat cells clogging arteries and impairing blood and oxygen flow.
- Diabetes can be the result of elevated blood glucose levels due to obesity, and can lead to kidney failure and blindness.
- Liver disease occurs when fat cells clog the liver so that it can not efficiently remove toxins from the blood.
- Pancreatitis, a life threatening illness, is associated with obesity and a high fat diet.
- Some cancers are linked to obesity.
- Respiratory difficulties due to excess fat around the muscles of the heart rob the body of adequate oxygen.
- Greater surgical risks plague obese dogs.
- Heat stroke is more prevalent in obese dogs due to insulative fat and breathing difficulties.
Is Your Dog Overweight?
Many dog owners do not realize their pet is overweight. If the dog’s ribs are not easily felt underneath a padding of fat and no waistline is evident, the dog probably needs to lose a few pounds.
Some dog owners feed by the chart on the bag but this is only a guideline. Older, sedentary dogs will not require as much food as younger, active dogs.
Helping Your Dog Lose Weight
Choose low calorie treats and reduce the amount given. Some dogs love ice cubes, carrots, or green beans. Commercial, low-calorie treats are available too.
Start your dog on an exercise plan. It’s not a bad trade-off with treats. Most dogs love the sights and scents that a nice walk around the neighborhood provides. They also love the extra time with you. Keep in mind that obese dogs must start out slow and easy. A veterinarian can recommend the best exercise program for your individual dog.
Consult a veterinarian for the best feeding program for your individual dog.
A dog of healthy weight will feel better and be happier, and you’ll be able to enjoy his company a lot longer.
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