Aug
18
Obesity in Dogs and the Health Risks
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Lissette Robaina asked:
The health risks for overweight dogs are very serious as in people. Dog owners should be aware and educated regarding these risks. Veterinarians see an increasing number of overweight dogs these days. Obesity is a human problem, not a canine problem. Most likely an overweight dog is a product of their owners over feeding them. They relate the emotion of love with food, therefore overfeeding is showing them extra love.
Dogs carrying around extra weight place a strain on all of their organs, much like with overweight people. The consequences of obesity in dogs are serious diseases and sometimes death. Complications of obesity include damage to joints and bones. Excess weight causes the bones, joints and muscles to overwork preventing a smooth and efficient walk movement.
A second common complication is in the form of Diabetes Mellitus. Obesity causes an increase of insulin and increased blood glucose levels. The required insulin exceeds the ability of the normal insulin production.
Breathing difficulties is yet another complication of obesity. Poor lung functioning is always evident in overweight dogs. The extra percentage of fat restricts diaphragm expansion. Respiratory diseases may occur more often.
Decreased liver function due to fat buildup may occur, reproductive problems such as difficulty birthing. Digestive issues are more likely to develop and decreased resistance to viral infections. Skin infections and hair problems may also occur along with an increased risk of cancers.
Taylor your dogs diet to his activity level. A consultation with a Veterinarian is essential in determining your dog’s optimal weight and feeding schedule.
KURT
The health risks for overweight dogs are very serious as in people. Dog owners should be aware and educated regarding these risks. Veterinarians see an increasing number of overweight dogs these days. Obesity is a human problem, not a canine problem. Most likely an overweight dog is a product of their owners over feeding them. They relate the emotion of love with food, therefore overfeeding is showing them extra love.
Dogs carrying around extra weight place a strain on all of their organs, much like with overweight people. The consequences of obesity in dogs are serious diseases and sometimes death. Complications of obesity include damage to joints and bones. Excess weight causes the bones, joints and muscles to overwork preventing a smooth and efficient walk movement.
A second common complication is in the form of Diabetes Mellitus. Obesity causes an increase of insulin and increased blood glucose levels. The required insulin exceeds the ability of the normal insulin production.
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Breathing difficulties is yet another complication of obesity. Poor lung functioning is always evident in overweight dogs. The extra percentage of fat restricts diaphragm expansion. Respiratory diseases may occur more often.
Decreased liver function due to fat buildup may occur, reproductive problems such as difficulty birthing. Digestive issues are more likely to develop and decreased resistance to viral infections. Skin infections and hair problems may also occur along with an increased risk of cancers.
Taylor your dogs diet to his activity level. A consultation with a Veterinarian is essential in determining your dog’s optimal weight and feeding schedule.
KURT