Domesticated dogs of all breeds quickly follow in the footsteps of their masters. The incidence of canine obesity is much higher among the dogs of overweight people than among those of healthy dog owners, just as the smooth and easy life has made dogs just as prone to obesity as humans. The most common overweight breeds are dachshunds, small terriers, beagles, and cocker spaniels. This is not to say that other breeds are not susceptible to obesity, any dog that is lying down all day has a high risk of becoming obese.
It is also notable to note that a third of people who have obese dogs are not aware that their dogs have this type of problem. To check if your dog is obese, test to see if you can feel your pet’s ribs with the palm of your hand. If you can’t, it means your dog needs to lose some weight.
Misconceptions, Causes, and Treatments
diet pills
Some dog owners feed their obese dogs the same diet pills they are taking. Diet pills prescribed for human consumption may contain benzedrine, which can kill your dog’s appetite and increase metabolism. These medications should only be given on the advice of a veterinarian, as these diet pills can be harmful to dogs with existing heart and circulatory problems.
Reduce food consumption
Some people who have obese dogs will also try to treat their pet’s obesity by severely limiting the amount of food they feed it. It should be noted that it is the quality of the food and not the quantity that will help the dog lose weight.
It is recommended that the dog owner reduce feeding their dog high-calorie foods and increase high-protein foods in the dog’s diet. Protein-rich foods should make up at least half of the dog’s daily diet. This is to ensure that weight loss is gradual and free of side effects.
Dog Food vs. Table Scraps
Contrary to the notion that table scraps are healthier for your dog, they can actually be a cause of obesity. It is more difficult to maintain and control food quality if your dog’s diet consists of food scraps. For this reason, feeding your dog commercially produced dog food will be much better for his health, as dog food has a good nutritional balance.
Medical causes of canine obesity
Spayed female dogs also tend to become obese. Likewise, neutered males are also susceptible to this medical condition. For these cases, the use of hormonal supplements can help these dogs to stay active and slim.
Some dog breeds also seem to have underactive thyroid conditions. This makes a dog sluggish, overweight, and generally uninterested in any form of exercise. Putting a dog suffering from this condition on a regimen of thyroid medication will help him burn more fat and speed up his metabolism.
working out
Of course, exercise will play a big role in treating an obese dog. Try to block out at least 30 minutes in your schedule, three times a week, to walk your dog. This will ensure that your dog is not only medically healthy, but also mentally active.
Dog owners should wait at least two weeks before expecting any change in their obese dog’s weight. It takes at least two weeks for the dog’s body to use the excess fluids in its system. Of course, dealing with a dog’s obesity will be much easier if the dog is exercised regularly in addition to being given the proper diet.