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You may not have realized it yet, but there’s a high chance that your beloved canine companion might be overweight.
According to a survey conducted by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), more than 50 million dogs across the country weigh more than the ideal weight for their age and breed. This means that approximately 56% of all domesticated dogs suffer from obesity.
That’s one in every two pet dogs!
Obesity in dogs is a common problem that comes with a plethora of various other health issues and related diseases. Overweight dogs are at an increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory conditions, as well as other disorders that may affect their mental health too.
You will expect that an obese dog will be easy to identify because, well, they will be rather fat and lazy. But that’s not necessarily true.
Your dog might be overweight at the moment, and you may not realize it until the layers of excessive fat lead to more severe health issues.
This article will help you identify the symptoms and causes of obesity in dogs so that you can save your furry friend from this potentially deadly disease.
Of course, no loving pup parent would deliberately overfeed their pet. But the point is that your dog might be eating a bit too much without your conscious knowledge. For instance, they might be eating table scraps that you toss in the bin. Or if you have a habit of giving them your leftover foods, they can gain weight quickly.
If you have a sedentary lifestyle, your dog is likely to follow suit too (not that they have another option, do they?)
While you might be able to keep the extra pounds at bay by exercising indoors, the same cannot be said for your pooch. A lack of exercise and proper play puts them at a high risk of obesity.
Dogs lose muscle mass as they age. This reduces their rate of metabolism, which, in turn, leads to fat gain. This is the main reason why obesity is more common among older dogs.
Hypothyroidism is a disease characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism. So, when it doesn’t function properly, it leads to an increase in weight. If your dog has gained weight despite being under a strict diet, consider seeing a vet immediately. Their obesity might be a result of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is common among dogs aged between 4 to 6 years.
You might be feeding your dog in limited portion sizes, but that’s only half the work. You need to pay attention to the number of carbs they are getting too. Foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates stimulate insulin production, leading to a buildup of fat deposits.
Sometimes, obesity in dogs might be a symptom of diseases such as Cushing’s disease. It is commonly found in dogs aged six or higher.
Other than becoming overweight, dogs with Cushing’s disease become dull and lethargic. Their coat also becomes thin and rough.
Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in your dog’s joints becomes worn out. This makes it difficult for your pet to walk and move around, eventually leading to weight gain.
Hopefully, this information will help you identify if your dog might be becoming obese and take the required measures to ensure that they stay fit and healthy.
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
Facts About Animal Homelessness:
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