Obesity in dogs and what to do?

We all want to satisfy all the appetites of our four-legged friend, be it food, going for a walk when he feels like it, attention when requested even if the moment is not exactly the best, etc.

Sometimes, due to excessive care or excessive affection, we tend to let ourselves be influenced by watery eyes or the various tricks used by our dogs to give them… something good. Sometimes, not infrequently, this leads to weight gain in our dog, even leading to obesity. Therefore, our “treatments” tend to do more harm than good to the dog. Obesity in pets, just like in humans, leads to very serious health conditions because the joints, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart will be much more stressed in overweight and obese dogs than in those with a normal weight. Furthermore, the risk of complications or even death during the anesthesia preceding an operation increases significantly. Diabetes and hypertension are two of the most common diseases caused by obesity. Not to mention the dogs inability to be active, run or play.

Dogs, like any animal, are opportunists. They would eat continuously, which is why we have the new task of choosing and measuring their food based on their breed, size, state of health, age and above all the level of physical exercise they do.
Based on these factors we must choose the right food for them and above all adequately dose this food to prevent them from gaining weight. The vet who knows the medical history of the quadruped will also be able to help you with a good opinion. On each bag of food sold you will find information on how to feed your quadruped based on its weight and activity level. Of course, a very active dog that is taken to the park every day, runs, on the agility field, and gets more exercise than a walk around the block will consume more calories, so it may fall within the upper limit of the kilogram category specified on the food bag.

We must avoid giving them leftovers from our meals. Furthermore, the food we serve is not always beneficial for the dog (it contains salt, spices, foods that are difficult for the dog to digest), we must understand that our four-legged friends “beg” for food even when they are full. I don’t “beg” for food 🙂

If we choose to feed the dog with home-prepared food instead of kibble from the store, we must carefully research and speak to the vet to be sure that the nutritional plan responds exactly to our dog’s nutritional needs and that the dosage of proteins, carbohydrates and fibers is the right one for the dog. Don’t compare the nutritional needs of a human to those of a dog

Prizes must be chosen carefully. It is best to keep a small portion of the daily portion of food to use throughout the day as a reward when we want to encourage good behavior. Rewards such as cheese, sausages, biscuits, pretzels as an addition to the already established daily food only bring him a few extra pounds. As a reward recommendation that helps them:

Lack of exercise is another factor that leads to weight gain. Depending on the race, age, state of health, we must choose a program of daily physical activities. For some breeds, a half-hour walk around the block might be enough. The same goes for some older dogs. But for most people, physical activities need to be a little more engaging. Longer walks in the park, playing ball in enclosures specially designed for dogs, playing with other dogs, etc.

Spaying or neutering are not reasons for the quadruped’s weight gain if the correct feeding pattern is followed. Additionally, there are foods created specifically for neutered pets

Another factor that can cause the quadruped to gain weight can be a hormonal disorder or prolonged treatment with certain drugs. In this case it is absolutely necessary to contact the vet who will decide what diet your dog will follow and the medical treatment it will follow.
How do we know if our dog is overweight?

Putting him on the scales, palpating his chest, we realize that he no longer feels his ribs, we look at him from above and we can no longer distinguish his waist, he breathes laboriously and refuses some physical activities that he enjoyed doing, he sleeps a lot, he moves with difficulty

If we find ourselves in a situation where our dog is overweight or obese, the first thing we need to do is consult the vet. Only he can establish whether his weight gain is due to pathological factors or whether it is a simple nutritional deficiency.

In the second case it is simple. On the advice of your vet, choose a suitable food for overweight four-legged friends, carefully follow the feeding instructions and choose a more active life for your dog. The results are guaranteed.
Examples of foods for dogs with weight problems:

We have to make some choices for our dogs. We can pamper them without risking their health. Choose an active life and a healthy diet for your dog!