Help, my dog is overweight!
Studies have shown that approximately 50% of dogs are overweight. Being overweight poses significant health risks to dogs. That is why it is important to prevent your dog from becoming overweight as much as possible. If your dog is already overweight, make sure they return to a healthy weight as soon as possible.
A dog is considered overweight when they weigh more than 20% above their ideal body weight. Dogs at a healthy weight have ribs that you can feel easily but cannot see. In overweight dogs, you can neither feel nor see the ribs. Being overweight is most common in older dogs and in dogs that have been neutered or spayed. Puppies can also regularly become overweight.
Causes of overweight in dogs:
- Metabolic disorder
- Changes in hormone levels after neutering or spaying
- Food that is too high in energy
- Not enough exercise
Consequences of overweight in dogs:
- Skin problems
- Joint problems
- Reproductive problems
- Heart and lung problems
- Reduced liver function
- Reduced ability or willingness to exercise
- Increased risk during surgery and anesthesia
- Increased risk of tumors
- Diabetes
Treatment of overweight
If your dog is overweight, it is recommended that you visit a veterinarian, who can help you create a treatment plan. This plan often involves giving your dog less food or low-energy food combined with exercise. This diet food contains indigestible fillers that help your dog feel full while providing less energy from the food.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise, but do not forget to take their health and age into account. To burn fat, a dog needs to exercise for an extended period. A daily one-hour walk is therefore much more beneficial than 15 minutes of play. Playing also places additional strain on several of the dog’s muscles and joints. You should try to avoid this, as the dog is already affected by the strain caused by being overweight.
It is also recommended that you reduce the amount of food and supplement it with green beans. These provide a feeling of fullness while being low in calories.
Measures to prevent my dog from becoming overweight
- Have your dog weighed regularly at the veterinarian or pet store: This allows you to agree on the right food for your dog together.
- Give your dog enough exercise: Walk with your dog for at least 1 hour every day (you can spread this out, for example, by walking for 20 minutes 3 times a day).
- Do not give your dog too many treats: If you have given your dog too many treats, remove some of their regular food.
- Divide the food into portions: Give your dog at least 2 meals a day; this helps the dog maintain a feeling of fullness.
注意!
Do not immediately reduce the amount of food substantially. Your dog will then receive not only less energy, but also fewer vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. This can lead to a deficiency of certain essential nutrients. Some nutrients are also used up more quickly due to the stress of losing weight.
