You’ve no doubt hear about the obesity epidemic affecting people, it’s all over the news. But you probably haven’t heard about the obesity epidemic in dogs. Around 35% of people in the US are considered obese. That’s a huge amount, but in dogs, it’s even higher. 40% of dogs are now obese, and that number is only rising. It’s a massive health issue in dogs and nobody wants to talk about it. While it’s not being publicised, people aren’t going to realize that there’s a problem and nothing will be done to solve it. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s weight and make sure that you deal with the issue before it spirals out of control. There are a few different reasons why your dog could be overweight. If your dog is getting a little chunky, they might be experiencing one of these problems.
Pregnancy
If your dog hasn’t been spayed, it’s so easy for them to get pregnant. They don’t always show as obviously as a person would. A lot of people get caught off guard and don’t realize that their dog is pregnant until they give birth. If they start carrying a load of extra weight around their belly, taking them to the vet to see if their pregnant should be their first port of call. Obviously, if they’ve been spayed, you don’t need to worry about it.
Bad Food
It’s a common misconception that all dog food is the same stuff. Lots of the more popular food brands are actually packed full of junk and can make your dogs gain weight. That doesn’t mean you need to get rid of all of your dog food completely, you just need to choose more wisely. There are plenty of brands like Betsy Farms that make food from all natural ingredients. Visit their website to see their range. Without all of the additives that you find in other dog food brands, your dog will just be getting the vital nutrients they need, and none of the extras that make them gain weight.
Not Enough Exercise
Walking your dog is one of the most important things you need to do as a carer. It can be difficult to find the time when you’ve got a busy schedule but you’ll just have to suck it up and make time. If you aren’t walking them regularly enough then they will start gaining weight, even if you’re feeding them the right food.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention is an illness in dogs that can make them look like they’re overweight. It’s usually a side effect of heart disease so if you think they’re suffering from fluid retention it might be a symptom of a more serious problem. Fluid builds up in their abdomen and makes their belly look a lot bigger. In younger dogs, it can also be linked to abnormal blood flow or liver problems so as soon as you notice their belly getting bigger, take them to the vets straight away.
An overweight dog might be down to something as simple as a bad diet or lack of exercise, but in some cases, it might be an indicator that your dog has a serious medical condition so if you notice them putting weight on, take them to the vet immediately.
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