Dog Obesity: Causes and Solutions

If you are human, the odds are you’ve started a diet at least several times. The primary motivation is to lose excess pounds and get in better shape. Apart from humans, dogs can face obesity, too. If they become overweight, it might make moving around a problem. Additionally, many health risks also come with extra pounds.

Did you notice that your dog is overweight? If yes, it’s crucial to act as soon as possible. Our guide will explain everything you should know about obesity in pups. You’ll discover signs, causes but also potential solutions to this problem, such as finding the right dog food for your pet. If that sounds good, start reading and become an expert on the topic.

Dog Obesity – An Overview

Obesity in dogs isn’t much different from the one in humans. So, obesity refers to a pup having too much body fat. That often goes together with extra pounds, so those pooches are also overweight.

But pups don’t only get fat because they don’t eat natural dog food. The ideal weight actually depends on age. For example, older and neutered pups deal with obesity more often. Apart from the age, the breed will determine the optimal weight of your pooch. For example, mini breeds like Yorkshire Terriers shouldn’t weigh over eight pounds. However, a German Shepherd can have over 90 pounds and still be in the optimal zone.

Why Does Dog Obesity Happen to Our Pups?

If you understand the reason behind pup obesity, it could help you prevent it before it becomes an issue. Here are the major reasons that could lead to your pup being overweight.

Slow Metabolism

The reason why your dog is at risk for obesity could be genetics. Some breeds naturally have a slower metabolism than others. Labrador Retrievers are an obvious example because they don’t require many calories but love to eat big portions of dog food. Additionally, the pup’s metabolism slows as time passes. That becomes more noticeable after they turn five.

Non-Stop Access to Food

Most vets will agree that your adult pup should eat their dog food once or twice a day. That’s because pups love food, and they often can’t stop themselves when around it. Even if you use the best dog food, free access to it around the clock will likely increase the risk of obesity.

As the owner, it’s your task to limit their portions to optimal sizes. Additionally, make sure not to use too many snacks and treats rich in calories. It might be wise to use services like Ollie Pets. They design a customized plan based on your pup’s specifics. That way, you know you always have the right portion for your pet.

Neutering

There are multiple reasons why you should neuter your pet. However, neutering also lowers their metabolism. That makes them vulnerable to extra pounds. If you combine it with other factors like too much dog food, the risk further increases.

Not Enough Activity

Did you know that dogs who are kept indoors are at a bigger risk of developing obesity? That’s because their activity is minimal. You might not take them outside, especially during the winter. Perhaps you are busy with work, and you don’t have time to exercise often. If the activity doesn’t help them spend the consumed calories, the odds are those dogs will become overweight.

How to Recognize the Signs of Dog Obesity

What are the symptoms of dog obesity? Is there anything that could give away your pup started gaining weight? Here are some pointers to pay attention to when checking out your pet.

Rely on What You See

The most obvious sign of obesity will be your dog’s appearance. There’s a so-called Body Condition Scoring that you can use to confirm if your pup gains weight.

You can also use the following pointers:

• You noted an obvious sagging in the abdominal area.
• It’s not possible to feel your pup’s spine or ribs.
• The pet’s face has become considerably rounder and bigger than before.

They Get Tired Quickly

You went outside but noticed that your dog is walking behind you. That’s not a usual scene since they used to seem much happier when outdoors. If they look tired and you notice excessive panting, could it be because of the extra pounds?

They Aren’t Active Like Before

Your pet couldn’t wait for their playtime. However, when you called them to play fetch, your dog didn’t move from their house. Even if you invite them to come over, they usually do it reluctantly and have trouble moving. If that happens, even if you are offering their favorite dog food brands, it’s more reason to worry.

Obesity is only one of the symptoms behind this. If it doesn’t seem it’s the extra pounds, it might be another health condition. However, a lack of desire to play and be active is not usual for a dog and requires paying close attention.

What Are the Risks of Your Pup Being Overweight?

It might seem unimportant that your dog has a few extra pounds. The truth is different because obesity is associated with many health and other risks.

Here is an overview of dangers and threats to obese pups:

• Shorter life expectancy – the statistics indicate that obesity can decrease a dog’s lifespan up to 18 months. It depends on other factors, too, but a lean pup has better chances of leading a longer life. That’s why you should switch to healthy dog food as soon as possible.
• Anesthetic complications – if your dog needs surgery, it’s better if they are lean. Obese pups are not that tolerant to heat, which increases the risk of complications.
• Osteoarthritis and joint problems – the added weight means more pressure on joints. As a result, it increases the risk of your pup developing OA and related issues.
• Multiple health conditions – from hypertension to heart disease and even cancer, being overweight can be a factor for developing many health problems. Natural dog food can assist in reducing the risk of these issues.

How to Deal with Dog Obesity – # Steps to Solving the Problem

Is your pup overweight? It would be smart if a veterinarian confirmed that diagnosis. A vet can also assist in designing a plan to help your dog deal with those extra pounds.

Your course of action will usually contain the following steps:

1. Establish a healthy weight goal. You want to check your pup’s current weight and the one you are targeting. That is the starting point from where you can come up with a weight loss plan.
2. Find the right diet. A veterinarian should participate because ingesting sufficient calories and nutrients is also important. For example, Chewy has a wide range of dog food brands that fit specific diets.
3. Adjust the diet gradually. You want to adjust the pup’s nutrition gradually. For example, you can lower the food amount step by step over the course of a few weeks. Also, make sure to use only the best dog food for the specific breed.
4. Stick with your plan. The important thing is that you don’t give up on following a healthy dog food diet. Your pup might be hungry, but remember that an optimal plan ensures sufficient nutrients. Even if you give them a treat once in a while, try not to cave to their every request.
5. The importance of activity. If it’s severe obesity, you can start with slow-paced walks. As time passes, you can implement longer walks or runs. Try to keep things fun by playing fetch and other games, but secure regular activity.
6. Monitor and adjust if necessary. You should see the first results in a week or two, but it might take months to reach the desired goal. If you stick to the dog food plan and it doesn’t seem to work, consult a professional for potential adjustments.

Conclusion

Owners love dogs, and they are often equal to other family members. While we have a lot of fun with them, we often forget they are our responsibility. That includes recognizing a potential problem they are facing before it’s too late.

Obesity could compromise the pup’s quality of life but also increase the risk of various health conditions. With this guide, you learned how to recognize symptoms on time. You also know the risks associated with obesity and how to help your puppy deal with it.

Finding suitable dog food for your pet is a crucial step. You can’t go wrong with Nom Nom, which offers many healthy recipes your pup will love. Don’t hesitate to check our top pet food services to discover how we reviewed them and find your favorite!