Are you guilty of spoiling your dog with too many treats? Would you skip your dog’s daily walk in favor of snuggling on the couch when it’s cold and rainy outside? While it’s okay to pamper your pet occasionally, being lax about their diet and exercise can lead to weight gain. This extra weight can have serious consequences for your dog’s health. To help your pet stay happy and healthy, let’s explore how dogs gain weight and how you can help them get back into shape.
Signs Your Dog Has Gained Weight
You don’t need expert veterinary knowledge to realize when your dog has gained weight. A sagging stomach or noticing that your dog feels heavier than usual when jumping into your lap are clear indicators. Other signs include the absence of an obvious waist when viewing from above, difficulty feeling their ribs, a plump face, and a thick neck. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a check-up with your veterinarian.
Body Language
Signs that your dog may need to shed a few pounds include panting, drooping ears, weakness, and other symptoms like fatigue, lethargy, breathing difficulties, and reluctance to exercise.
History of Weight Gain in Dogs
Obesity is a significant problem for both humans and dogs in the United States. In a 2016 clinical survey, 53.9% of dogs were classified as clinically overweight, with 19.8% being obese. The majority of pet owners and veterinary professionals recognize pet obesity as a significant issue. This rise in obesity in dogs seems to parallel the increasing prevalence of obesity in humans.
Science of Weight Gain in Dogs
Weight gain in dogs can have serious implications for their health. It is linked to heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and an increased risk of arthritis. Overweight pets also have shorter lifespans. A study conducted by the WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition found that overweight dogs in middle age live up to 10 months less than those maintaining an ideal weight. Weight gain in dogs can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, or underlying medical conditions.
How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight
If you suspect your dog has gained weight, visit your veterinarian for a thorough examination. They will determine if your dog is within a healthy weight range and help develop a weight-loss plan. If the weight gain is due to a medical condition, that condition will be treated or managed. If it’s caused by diet and exercise, options may include switching to a lower-calorie or higher-quality pet food, reducing portion sizes, replacing fatty treats with healthier alternatives, and designing an exercise plan suitable for your dog’s needs.
By following your veterinarian’s guidance and sticking to the weight-loss plan, you can help your dog lose weight and enjoy a long and healthy life.
“Help your furry friend shed those extra pounds and enjoy a long, healthy life!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to signs of weight gain in your dog: Keep an eye out for a sagging stomach, inability to see a waist, or difficulty feeling your dog’s ribs. These signs can indicate that your dog is gaining weight and may need a check-up with a veterinarian.
2️⃣ Understand the health risks of obesity in dogs: Weight gain in dogs can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and an increased risk of certain cancers. It can also shorten their lifespan. Knowing the potential consequences can motivate you to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
3️⃣ Work with your veterinarian to develop a weight-loss plan: If your dog has gained weight, consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and develop a plan. This may involve switching to a lower-calorie diet, reducing portion sizes, cutting back on treats, and creating an exercise regimen that suits your dog’s needs. Following the plan and getting everyone in the family on board will help your dog lose weight and stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can I tell if my dog has gained weight?
– Signs of weight gain in dogs include a sagging stomach, inability to see an obvious waist, difficulty feeling ribs, a plump face, and a thick neck.
2. What are the health risks of a dog being overweight or obese?
– Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, arthritis, and can shorten a dog’s lifespan.
3. Why are dogs gaining weight?
– Dogs can gain weight due to a poor diet, lack of exercise, or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s Disease.
4. How can I help my dog lose weight?
– The first step is to consult with a veterinarian who can determine the cause of weight gain and develop a weight-loss plan. This may include switching to a lower-calorie diet food, cutting back on feeding portions, reducing fatty treats, and developing an exercise plan.
5. Can rapid weight gain in dogs be a sign of a medical problem?
– Yes, rapid weight gain in dogs can be caused by medical conditions. It is important to have a veterinarian evaluate your dog to rule out any underlying health issues.
