The dangers of dog obesity

Dog weight loss can easily attract the attention of owners, so some owners like to keep their dogs fat. In fact, obesity, like weight loss, will affect the dog's health. Obese dogs have shorter lifespans, are more likely to develop chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases earlier, and their exercise capacity will also be reduced. Dog obesity can cause symptoms such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and skin allergies, affecting the dog's quality of life.

Causes of dog obesity

Dog obesity is determined by the number and size of fat cells in the body. During puppyhood, the number of fat cells in your dog's body is already established, and their size depends on the amount of fat stored within the cells. If the owner cannot choose the right food and feed the right amount according to the dog's body condition, and the energy intake exceeds its needs, and the excess is stored in the body and converted into fat, causing irreversible growth of fat cells, the dog will become obesity. The puppy stage is a critical period for the formation of fat cells. If a dog is obese as a puppy, it will beg for food and become an obese dog as an adult. Therefore, it is more important to control dog obesity from the puppy stage.

Which dogs are more likely to be obese?

1. Due to dog breeds, Labrador retrievers are the most likely to become obese, followed by Cairn terriers, cocker spaniels, long-haired dachshunds, Shetland sheepdogs, and basset hounds. , Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Beagles.
2. Hormone changes in sterilized dogs’ bodies slow down their metabolism and double their chances of becoming obese.
3. It is relatively difficult for dogs that are obese in childhood to maintain a normal weight as adults.
4. Older dogs have an increased risk of obesity due to reduced activity and slower metabolism.
5. Females are more likely to be obese than males.
6. Dogs that exercise less are also prone to being overweight.
7. Dogs whose owners feed them a lot are also prone to becoming obese.
8. Dogs suffering from diseases that require hormonal drug treatment.