7 Reasons Why Dog Obesity is Dangerous

The truth is, most pet parents take dog obesity so very lightly. While it is true that obese dogs may look cuter, funnier and cuddlier, obesity is one of the top health threats for our furbabies.

As technology and science continue to evolve, our pets now have higher chances of living longer compared to before, so many pet parents think dog obesity isn't such a big deal. More illnesses and diseases have become treatable (and can be prevented) and a lot of pet products are available to help our pets live happier and hassle-free lives. But there's a downside to that because once your dog develops the bad effects of obesity, it can become a life-long dilemma.

Here, we've come up with the negative impacts dog obesity can cause you and ways to help your dog to either stay away or recover from it.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Obese?

The dog obesity weight differs from one dog to another as they are all different and many factors are considered, too, like current health condition, age, sex, breed, etc.

One simple and easy way to determine if your furbaby is obese is through touch and appearance. To do so, try pressing your furbaby's sides. As you do this, you should be able to feel his ribs. If you are having a hard time feeling their ribs, or don't feel them at all, your furbaby may be obese.

If you cannot feel their ribs, or feel your furbaby is not at the healthy weight, you should set up an appointment with your vet to determine whether your furbaby is overweight or obese. If your dog is obese, it's time to make some changes quickly. If it worsens, you can put your dog's health at risk. 

"Dog obesity differs from one dog to another, and depends on their current health condition, age, sex, breed, etc."

Your dog's chest should be wider than their abdomen. An overweight dog will normally have no waist and no differentiation between their chest and stomach. You may also notice heavy panting when walking, slower walking, or may have extended sleeping hours.

Dangers of Dog Obesity

The following are the negative things your dog can go through if his obesity is not given attention immediately.

Arthritis. Extra weight put on a lot of pressure on your furbaby's joints. Because of this, the joints' cartilage deteriorates and then eventually develops arthritis. Yeah, yeah there are many pain medications available. There sure a lot but do you really want to see your furbaby not able to enjoy the things he used to, like running, jumping, swimming, and playing fetch because he can't move properly?

Compromised Immune System. Not only does dog obesity affect your furbaby's joints, it also damages their immune system. 

Dogs who struggle with obesity may deal with improper immune system functioning. This can make dogs more susceptible to different illnesses. It also makes recovery challenging, so your furbaby may have a harder time getting healthy.

Heart diseases and breathing difficulties. Too much weight not only increases high blood pressure in your furbaby but can also trigger heart diseases and breathing difficulties.Obese dogs are more susceptible to developing trachea damages and respiratory crises that can be life-threatening if not addressed properly.

Tumors and cancer risks. The extra fats on your dog can increase the risks or develop into tumors as benign fatty tumors, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.

Surgery dangers. Surgeries our dogs go through like spaying, neutering, operations and giving birth via C-section requires the use of anesthesia. When on anesthesia, breathing becomes a struggle since chest expansion is difficult during these times.

Skin diseases. Obesity means you'll have to deal with all those extra skin folds. These extra skin folds are itchy. Your furbaby will keep on scratching it and will eventually be inflamed or wounded and can develop into an infection.

Decreased quantity and quality of life. Obesity can take away two years of your furbaby's life! Quality is also affected since obesity hinders him from doing so many things, without being tired immediately. Carrying a lot of extra pounds comes with a lot of downsides, eh?

What You Can Do To Fight Off Dog Obesity

Many pet parents think that having their furbabies gain a few more extra pounds is okay, but again, it is not, as it can cause major (and even lifetime) health problems in their pets.

To prevent or recover from obesity, here are the top things you can do:

Consult your vet. Your vet knows best how much weight your dog should maintain or should lose to avoid dog obesity. Go in for regular checkups to keep track of your dog's weight. Your vet will also prescribe diet and lifestyle plans for your furbaby.

Provide a high-quality diet, served in proper portions. Diet contributes greatly to dog obesity that's why you should make sure to give only your furbaby scheduled meal times and with a controlled, high-quality diet with lesser calories.

Stay active and exercise. Exercise is very important in keeping your dog fit and healthy. It's not okay that your dog eats too much and does not get enough exercise.

Give Pet Parents® Joint Supplements for dogs. This will provide your furbaby with healthy ingredients that help support dog joint health and help promote mobility support. It specifically has Glucosamine for dogs, a compound that may help create a cushion & promote lubrication around joints to help support comfortable movement & flexibility.