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Overweight Dog Problems: How to Make Your Dog Healthier

Many fur parents have a challenging time determining if their adorable companion is overweight. For one, it can be difficult to see a dog's ribs, but there are other signs that you should consider. If you suspect your pup may be dealing with an obesity problem, then it's important to do something about it before the situation worsens!

Even though obesity is a common problem in dogs, it's not something you have to just accept. There are many ways you can help your pet get back down to a healthy weight, and with some effort on your part, both of you will enjoy a better quality of life.

Scroll deeper and learn how to check whether your dog is overweight and how to shed off the unhealthy pounds.

Obesity in Dogs

Obesity in dogs occurs when they carry more weight than their bodies are meant to carry. It happens when they consume too much food, exercise too little, and live a largely sedentary life indoors. For some dogs, it could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. 

The most common animals prone to obesity are young household pets, including cats, ferrets, and rabbits. Adult obese pets include dogs and horses. Obesity can seriously impact these animals' well-being if not managed appropriately through medication, dieting, reducing exercise levels, or surgically removing excess body fat.

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How to Determine If Your Dog Is Overweight

Animals come in different shapes, sizes, and other qualities, making them unique. Some dogs are naturally predisposed to being a bit heavier than others. So how do you check and see if your precious pup falls into the "overweight" category?

One of the easiest ways to classify if your pet is overweight is by looking at your dog from the side. You should be able to see its waist. Otherwise, your pet is probably carrying too much weight. Feeling the ribs is another way you can do it, and you should be able to without having to press too hard. 

Finally, you can also check your dog's body condition score (BCS). This scale begins from 1 to 9 (9 being extremely obese,) rating how much excess fat a dog has on its body. Most dogs will fall somewhere between, but if your pup scores higher than a 5, they may need to start losing weight.

If your dog meets either of these criteria, it's time for a vet appointment and lifestyle change. Your dog’s vet will provide you with the correct prescription and advice to help your pup lose weight and get back into shape. Obesity in dogs can lead to health problems such as heart disease, joint pain, diabetes, and cancer, so it's important to take this condition seriously!

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Excessive Eating and How to Prevent It

One of the major reasons for canine obesity is that many dog owners aren't conscientious about how much they feed their pets while also paying less attention to exercise levels. Here's how to address it:

1. Serve smaller portions of food so your dog doesn't graze all day. Overeating is a big problem for dogs and can lead to excessive weight gain. To help prevent this, use measuring cups or an automatic feeder so you know how much your dog eats every day, as well as the proper portion sizes based on their breed and size.
2. You should also never free-feed your dog (giving them access to food at all times) because that will equal less control over what they eat throughout the day.
3. If you're someone who likes leaving wet food out for cats and dogs in addition to feeding dry kibble twice a day—stop! Not only does it encourage begging behavior, but it's bad news if one of them gains too much weight from eating more than their share. Even though we love spoiling our pets, it's important to resist the temptation and put their health first.
4. Dogs need to exercise for about an hour per day. This can be in the form of a long walk, a run, playing fetch, or even just roaming around the backyard. The important thing is to make sure your dog gets enough activity to burn off excess calories and stay healthy.
5. If your dog is overweight, don't let them jump on and off furniture anymore. This will save wear and tear on their joints, which can be a problem if they're carrying around too much weight.
6. Have your dog checked by a veterinarian to rule out any health conditions that could be causing their weight gain—these include hypothyroidism and arthritis.
7. Dogs who are spayed or neutered are more prone to obesity than those who are not. It's because they have a reduced metabolic rate, burning fewer calories.
8. Ensure your pet has many toys to play with so your pup stays active indoors. This method is especially important if you live in an apartment and can't take them for walks as often as you'd like.

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for their overall well-being. If you're unsure how to do it, consult with your veterinarian, who can provide expert advice and help get your pup on the right track!

There are many healthy foods for dogs. Dogs need high protein and low-fat diets. Some of the most common foods for dieting dogs are:

• chicken
• turkey
• beef
• lamb
• fish
• rice
• vegetables

Dogs also need plenty of water to help them digest their food properly and stay hydrated. So always ensure that your pet has access to clean freshwater. And if you're ever in doubt about what or how much to feed your dog, always consult with a veterinarian. They will be able to create a diet plan specifically for your pup that is healthy and achievable.

Keep Your Pet Healthy

Dogs are known to be man's best friend, but did you know they can also be your healthiest friend? Furry friends like dogs and cats can help us live longer by reducing stress levels, lowering blood pressure, and increasing exercise.

The good news is that this type of problem is easily fixed with a few lifestyle changes. If your pup needs a little help shedding weight without going hungry, consult with your veterinarian, who will have expert advice and suggestions tailored specifically towards them. Doing so may just save their life!

If you want to become a fur parent and yet want to avoid the hassles of feeding your pet, Perfect Petzzz is here to provide you with lifelike pets that will train you to become a better pet owner. Visit us today!

Social Media Copies

Facebook

Do you want a purrfect pet? It’s not enough to spoil them with love, affection, and yummy treats; it’s also ensuring they stay active and keep a healthy diet. Read here and find out more about obesity in dogs and how to combat it.

Instagram

So your dog is overweight. You want to show more love and attention, but you don't have the time or energy to keep them active and monitor their meals.

A lot of people struggle with their dogs being overweight because they feel that they have no choice but to put them on a strict diet which will make them miserable. But trust us—healthy, active pets live happier and more comfortable lives. So take your pets out for a run around the neighborhood and lead them out of their sedentary lifestyle now!

#DogWellness #DogWelfare #DogWalk

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We all know that dogs are healthier when they're not overweight, but it can be hard to get them to shift those pounds. If your dog is overweight, it could lead to serious health problems! Read this article and lead your pups to a healthier lifestyle.