If they are required to carry excess weight, they can start to damage bones, joints, and ligaments. This is an extremely serious disease that takes extreme dedication by the owner to correctly manage.ĭamage to joints, bones, and ligaments - Studies have suggested that approximately one-quarter of overweight dogs develop serious joint complications. ![]() The more common consequences of obesity are discussed below.ĭiabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) - just like in people, overweight dogs are prone to diabetes. The health risks to overweight pets are serious and every owner should be aware of them. When we overload these organs, disease and sometimes death are the consequences. Why should I worry about it?Īs in people, pets carrying extra pounds of weight place extra demands on virtually all the organs of their bodies. If your pet has a sudden weight gain, is having other health problems, or if you cannot get them to lose weight, you should see your veterinarian to screen them for other problems. These can include hypothyroidism and Cushings disease. Senior diets carry fewer calories than regular diets because of this fact. As you pet ages, their caloric requirements decrease. Because of that, you need to take measures to avoid the weight gain that could follow.ĭecreased metabolism is also associated with aging. The thing to remember is that your pet may have a decreased metabolism following the procedure. This is definitely NOT a reason to not spay and neuter them, as there are many important health reasons to do so. Some pets gain weight following being spayed or neutered. Along the same lines, households with small children tend to be a great place for your pet to pick up extra treats throughout the day. The overweight dog steals from his rival, exacerbating the problem. In households where there may be several pets, food competition increases the potential for becoming overweight. Designed to be highly palatable, pet treats are usually high in fat and calories (Example: a typical pet treat = a candy bar). Typically, your pet is particularly effective at persuading you to indulge his bad habits. The causes of obesity are really simple: increased energy intake compared to decreased energy output. Some animals may have medical conditions which excess weight can make worse. Your veterinarian can help you in evaluating a healthy weight for your pet. ![]() Overweight animals will have fat pads over the ribs and hip bones. If you look at a normal pet from above, they should have an hourglass look to their body. Fat dogs don't have the "tuck" normally seen in front of the hindquarters. An overweight pet has a noticeable paunch, a broader conformation and ribs cannot be seen or felt easily. A healthy pet's body is proportional - their ribs can be felt and folds of fat aren't easily seen.
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