From scrap food to obesity: How an overfed dog's health can seriously decline

A dog looking excessively fluffy might appear as adorable as a stuffed toy, but it's important to remember that they are living beings. Extra body fat can strain their joints and heart, potentially reducing their lifespan by several years. Bringing your pet's weight down should be a priority, and the following tips aim to guide you on how to care for your four-legged friend and help them achieve a healthier weight.

Living with obesity can be difficult, and this holds true for dogs too. Behind their endearing appearance, dogs carrying extra weight often suffer from health issues and joint deterioration. The worst fallout can be degenerative diseases and dysplasia, which leads to mobility problems. In the worst-case scenario, the dog may cease to move completely.

Another reason to promote weight loss in dogs is related to inflammatory conditions within their body. Some of these inflammatory conditions can transform into tumors, progressively affecting the organs. A healthy dog should not have more than 25-30% body fat. Overfeeding a dog is easy, but helping them lose weight requires effort and determination. Below are some expert tips you should include in your pet's daily routine.

The foremost aspect to focus upon is the pet's diet. What sort of food does he consume? How frequently in a day? Does he snack between meals? If your dog primarily consumes dry food, scrutinize its ingredients. If it's packed with grain and mechanically separated meat, you should switch it as this type of food offers little in nutrients. In the case of wet food, ensure it contains at least 70% meat. Transitioning to new food should be done gradually to prevent shock, which could cause food rejection and vomiting.

Consult a veterinarian regarding feeding frequency and portion size. Each breed is unique, so a personalized assessment is key. Refrain from feeding your dog human food! Your pet might be curious about your meals, but many of our foods are unsuitable for canine consumption.

Remember that it's vital for your pet to indulge in ample physical activity. A quick saunter around the block isn't sufficient. Engage him in extended, leisurely walks where he can frolic around and socialize with other dogs. Generally speaking, it's beneficial to have two short walks for immediate needs and one longer one for your dog to lose some calories.