The hazards and causes of obesity in dogs
Obesity is mainly caused by overnutrition and lack of exercise.
Homemade diets are more likely to make pets fat than professional foods. Obese dogs are prone to circulatory and respiratory diseases. They are also less able to tolerate physical activity and less resistant to infections. Obesity in dogs can trigger diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, allergies, skin diseases, and more. Obesity in cats can lead to urinary disorders, diabetes, liver disease, and increased grooming difficulty which can lead to skin disorders. Moreover, veterinarians will encounter many inconveniences when performing various routine examinations and diagnoses on obese pets. They have a higher risk of complications during anesthesia and surgery, and a greater chance of wound rupture after surgery.
How to tell if a pet is overweight?
Some dogs and cats are quite overweight, while others are not. Body weight is a useful indicator, and it is generally accepted that an animal is considered overweight if it exceeds 15% of its normal ideal body weight. The standard weight for a purebred dog can be a valid basis for determining an “ideal” weight, but not necessarily for a crossbreed. The weight of most healthy cats is between 3-5 kg, but some cats with larger skeletons, especially castrated male cats, will weigh a lot more.
In a normal animal you should just be able to feel the ribs under a not too thick layer of fat and you should see a distinct “waist line” behind the rib cage when looking from the top down ”. Fat animals don’t have waistlines because the layer of fat beneath the skin thickens. In cats, fat usually accumulates in the groin to form an “apron”. Obese dogs and cats have a bloated stomach due to the accumulation of a large amount of fat in the abdomen. Veterinarians will differentiate between obesity and other factors such as pregnancy, ascites, or enlarged abdominal organs.
Dog weight loss program
Ask a veterinarian
Determine a goal
Know the ideal weight your pet should be. Keep in mind that your initial weight goal can be an ideal weight or a 15% drop from your current weight.
Eating Plan
Losing weight can be achieved by reducing the calorie content of food in a controlled manner. To this end, commercially available low-calorie pet food can be used, or the original food intake can be reduced. Try it a few times before finalizing your meal plan. The selected feeding program should be implemented for a minimum of two weeks, and then feed should be further reduced according to the effect.
Regular weighings
The progress of pet weight loss programs should be followed carefully. Weigh yourself once a week, preferably at the same time of day and on the same scale each time. Graphing your weight change over time can boost your confidence and motivation. Pay attention to the pet’s expression and touch the fat layer of the body regularly. Consult with your veterinarian periodically to determine if you need to modify your weight loss program.
Get more exercise
While it is impossible for most animals to lose weight through exercise alone, a gradual increase in physical activity should be encouraged. Never force a severely overweight dog to exercise excessively, as this can put unbearable stress on the heart and lungs. Dogs that are 25% over their target weight should be taken for slow walks every day. Be careful not to allow cats to obtain extra food through wild picking, predation, or begging from neighbors.
Prevent repeated weight gain
