If you think only a few pet owners have overweight dogs, you’re mistaken. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s research in 2018, almost 50% of dogs in the US are overweight. Our four-legged companion’s fitness and health will depend on us, and whether they get obese is evidence of how we look after them.
So if you’re speculating what caused your dog to be overweight or just curious about preventing it in your loyal companion, we’ll tell you everything we know as we get going.
What causes dog obesity?
People nowadays are typically drawn to pudgy puppies, plump babies, and other chubby things. However, the health impacts of weight problems when their little ones and dogs grow up are far from cute. Fortunately, 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. Injuries or health conditions
Pets struggling with chronic conditions, injuries, or health problems can impact their weight. Canines with mobility issues or pain due to specific health problems are less likely to exercise than healthier ones. Since they have lower energy requirements than active and healthy canines, they can be easily overfed and gain more weight.
If your pet is in a state where it can’t freely exercise, talk with the vet about the light exercise routines that will help them stay in good shape without any strains and discomfort. You may browse their websites for more info on how they can help you with your impaired or injured pet.
2. Aging
As pets age, their activity and energy level may drop, leading them to burn fewer calories. Like people, dogs lose muscle when they age. The loss of muscle mass can cause slower metabolism, resulting in fat gain. If you don’t change their diet plan to compensate for their lack of exercise, they may gain more unnecessary pounds.
3. Lack of exercise
Getting too little or no exercise is a common reason dogs gain weight. Although the amount of exercise dogs need will depend upon their size, breed, and age, go for 20-60 minutes of activity with your pet daily. But if your pet hasn’t exercised the entire week or month, don’t instantly go with a 3-mile run with them, as this may cause shock and strain to their body.
Should your pet get broken bones or fractures during your exercise with them, immediately stop the activity and have them examined by a vet surgeon for urgent treatment. If you’re looking for pet surgeons to address your pet’s condition, you may browse the web for “veterinary surgeon near me” to see accurate results.
4. Overfeeding
Overfeeding is among the obvious ways canines become overweight. If you live in a household 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 canine’s food or treat intake can be easily tracked 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 occur in exotic pets? This is why it’s always vital to keep track of their food intake and routinely take them to facilities specializing in exotic veterinary in Clearlake to ensure they’re healthy and living their best life in their enclosure.
5. Spay/neuter
Did you know that a decline 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 vet’s guidance for suitable food plans for your dog who has acquired excessive weight due to neutering or spaying.
