According to a study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, about 56% of dogs in the US are obese. To many people, gaining a little weight may not seem to be a problem, but, in the long run, it can cause severe health conditions. It can reduce life expectancy. Rate of obesity among dogs has increased recently. This condition is preventable, and here we will discuss about it. Service dog training
What is pet obesity?
Obesity is the building up of additional body fat. Obese pets have excess body fat. When their body weight is 10% to 30% more than their ideal body weight, the pet is said to be overweight. Obesity occurs when the body weight is 30% more than the ideal body weight. It is essential to keep the weight at the right level to stay healthy.
Risks of dog obesity
Many health complications result from obesity. It can result in diabetes and musculoskeletal conditions. Obesity in dog can lead to high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and even cancer. You will notice decreased stamina in your pet. That is, your pet may be reluctant to play. There may be breathing difficulty as well. Our immune system starts to function poorly, and your pet may suffer a lot even with simple health issues.
Preventing obesity
You need to help your pet lose weight. First, you need to focus on the diet. You must develop a scheduled feeding plan for your pet. If you provide unlimited food to your pet, then it will become overweight. You shouldn't just cut on the portion of food drastically; do so slowly. You can contact your veterinarian for opinion.
Exercise is a very effective way to lose weight. Only maintaining good diet won’t give you results. Just like humans, dogs need exercise. You can take your dog walking or swimming. Chase and ball retrieving' games also help. You can take your dog to dog training classes to develop the habit of exercise.
You should visit the veterinarian regularly and ensure that your pet maintains a healthy weight. If your dog is suffering from any weight-related disease, then your vet can tell. The veterinarian may make slight food adjustments to ensure that your pet maintains a healthy weight.
It is important to take steps immediately if you notice that your pet is becoming obese. If measures are taken early, then this condition can be prevented. You should take your dog to dog training classes and lower chances of diseases in your pet and they will live longer.
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