Most dogs are smart enough to stop eating when they begin feeling full. However, you have those dogs that will eat until they stomach busts. These dogs are the ones that are often struggling with being overweight.
An obese or overweight dog is an unhealthy dog and you will be able to see it in their behavior. Most overweight dogs will just lie around and look for another scrap of food to munch on. As a pet owner, it will be up to you to keep your dog at its correct weight. Below, you will discover more information on how to do this and so much more.
Get Educated On The Dangerous Of Obesity
Obesity in dogs is similar to that in humans. The dog’s organs function in the same manner as humans, with a few minor differences. With this said, dogs that are carrying around a few extra pounds will be at a higher risk for diabetes mellitus, joint disease, cardiovascular disease, respiratory ailments, heat intolerance, poor liver function and decreased stamina.
Overweight dogs will have an overproduction of oils in skin, which can lead to skin infections. The more you learn about the dangers of obesity in dogs, the more adamant you will become about getting your dog’s weight under control.
Visit The Vet
Just because an animal is overweight, does not necessarily mean that the problem is linked to overeating. The overweight issue could be linked to a wide range of factors, such as hypothyroidism, intestinal disorders, family history, lack of exercise and eating human food. If your pet gains weight, without any noticeable explanation, you should schedule a visit to the vet. The vet will run a series of tests and complete a full examination. While you are at the vet, you should acquire about the pet’s weight status and healthy weight.
Monitor Weight Routinely
You will need to monitor your pets weight on a routine basis. If you do not own a doggy weight scale, you should consider investing in one, because it will make the task much easier. Large breeds are impossible to weigh without this scale, but small breeds can easily be weighed on a traditional bath scale. If you have difficulty keeping the dog on the scale, you can always weigh yourself and then yourself, holding the pet. Subtract the difference to come up with the final measurement.
Routine Exercise
If you are an active person, you will not find it very difficult to exercise your pet. A large breed should exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes and small breeds 10 to 30 minutes. If the weather is not suitable for outdoor activities, you can place the pet on the treadmill. Choose the lowest setting, because you want the dog to feel comfortable utilizing the walking deck. It will take a bit of practice, but with a training collar and patience, you and the dog will succeed in reaching your goal.
