Obesity in Dogs

Have you noticed your dog getting a bit rounder lately? Is Fido getting, well, a bit chubby? Obesity is not uncommon in our canine pals. In fact, by some estimates, over half of our furry friends are overweight or obese. While you may think that you’re simply pampering your beloved pet by giving him that cheeseburger he’s begging for, that extra weight can carry some serious health risks for your pup! Read on as a local Pickerington, OH vet discusses canine obesity.

Health Risks

Obesity can cause many of the same health issues in pets as it in humans. If Fido is overweight or obese, he is at much greater risk of developing several harmful medical problems, such as heart disease, liver trouble, respiratory issues, skin problems, cancer, and diabetes. Your furry pal will also have a higher chance of having reproductive trouble, or developing complications after surgery. That extra weight can also contribute to painful bone and joint problems, like hip dysplasia or arthritis. Your canine friend will definitely be much healthier if he is at or near his ideal weight!

Causes

Two things that play huge roles in your canine buddy’s weight are his diet and exercise. Breed and age are also factors, but, since those can’t be changed, we’ll focus on what can be adjusted. Feed Fido a good, nourishing diet, but don’t go overboard with fatty treats. We know, Man’s Best Friend is an expert beggar. If you absolutely can’t resist your theatrical pet’s ‘sad puppy’ expression, give him a carrot instead of a piece of meat. Making sure your furry pal is getting the right type and amount of exercise is also very important. Your vet can recommend a suitable exercise regime that is based on your pup’s age, weight, health, and breed.

Helping Your Dog Trim Down

If you have a pudgy pooch on your hands, ask your vet for specific advice before making any changes to his care routine. Don’t put Fido on a crash diet: this is very bad for his metabolism, and could make him very sick! Instead, you’ll want to help your pup take off those extra pounds gradually, so he can slim down without risking his health.

Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health? Does Fido need to drop some weight? We can help! Call us, your local Pickerington, OH animal clinic, today!