It can be alarming and disheartening when we realize that our beloved four-legged friend is gaining weight. Unfortunately, obesity is all too common in dogs and a healthy weight is essential for our canine companions to enjoy a long and happy life. When it comes to our pet’s wellbeing, it’s important to understand why our pup is getting fat and the various factors which may contribute to their weight gain. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of canine obesity, the signs and symptoms of weight gain in dogs, and the lifestyle changes and dietary habits which can help dogs to maintain a healthy weight. We hope that this post can be a useful resource for pet parents who are concerned about their pup’s current or potential weight issues.
What are the reasons why dogs become overweight?
Despite our best efforts, there are numerous reasons why dogs can become overweight or obese. The obvious ones are:
But many other factors can also play a role, including:
Here is a brief explanation of each potential cause of your dog’s weight gain:
Lack of exercise
Dogs of all sizes and ages need to exercise every day. While some breeds have unique requirements that must be considered, all dogs require daily physical activity of some kind. Without activity, dogs will become bored, unhealthy and obese. We also need to ensure that our dogs receive the appropriate amount of exercise because they are under our care. especially if we also lavishly shower them with treats throughout the day!
Which Dogs Are Prone to Obesity?
Age, breed, health conditions, and whether or not a dog has been spayed or neutered are some of the factors that can increase a dog’s risk of obesity.
Age is a large factor. Like humans, dogs’ metabolisms tend to slow down as they age. Together with decreased activity and potential overeating, your dog will quickly gain weight. It’s crucial to keep seeing your veterinarian as your dog ages to ensure you’re feeding them a caloric amount that their metabolism can handle.
Health issues are another factor. Your dog is more likely to gain weight and become obese if they have health problems that make them less active, make them more ravenous, or do both.
It’s best to have your dog’s veterinarian check for any underlying conditions that could be brought on by weight gain if you’ve determined that your dog is overweight. It’s best to discuss all options with your veterinarian because health issues can cause weight gain, but weight gain can also cause health issues.
If you have an obese dog, breathing problems and joint problems are a main concern. That being said, for an overweight dog problems with other health complications that stem from being overweight can also happen. For example Pet Health Network explains that, “Weight gain can cause heart disease and high blood pressure. It’s also linked to breathing problems. Overweight dogs are more prone to a collapsing trachea and laryngeal paralysis. Untreated, these airway conditions could lead to a respiratory crisis which could be fatal if not treated.”
Concern about dogs gaining weight due to joint issues is significant. A weight management dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is crucial because, as was previously mentioned, extra weight can put additional stress on their joints and cause other mobility problems. Obesity and deteriorating joint health can also result in osteoarthritis, which is a major factor in canine back issues.
FAQ
Why is my dog getting fat all of a sudden?
Dogs can become obese due to a variety of reasons. Changes in diet, overeating, lack of exercise, and hormonal issues (like polycystic ovary syndrome or Cushing’s syndrome) are a few common causes of sudden weight gain in dogs.
Why is my dog overweight but doesn’t eat much?
You may want to make a vet appointment to have your dog checked for health issues, such as hypothyroidism, if your dog is overweight but not eating much. When the thyroid, which controls the body’s metabolic rate, is underactive, the metabolism is slowed (hypothyroidism).
What should I do if my dog gets fat?
Lots of Exercise It goes without saying that more exercise will aid in your dog’s weight loss. For an obese dog, it’s best to start out slow and increase exercise over time once he starts losing weight. Most dogs love to go for a walk, run, swim, or hike, so be sure to get outside and enjoy some outdoor activities with him.