The Dangers of Canine Obesity

If you have ever seen a malnourished dog, you know how heartbreaking it can be. Malnourishment can cause many problems to the health of a dog. However, what most dog owners do not realize is that overweight dogs are at risk, as well. The following are just a few of the dangers of canine obesity:

Type 2 Diabetes
The most common side effect of obesity in dogs is Type 2 diabetes. As with humans, obesity can cause the pancreas to overproduce insulin due to the increased amount of sugar in the blood. When the dog becomes too obese, the demand for insulin is more and the body is unable to supply enough. Should your dog develop diabetes mellitus, they must be given insulin shots or the results could be fatal.

Hypertension and Heart Disease
As with humans, the dog is prone to hypertension and heart disease when they are carrying around excessive weight. The heart is often working harder to pump the blood to the areas of the body and, as with humans, the dog can suffer severe heart disease and it may even result in congestive heart failure.

Osteoarthritis
Due to the increased weight, damage occurs to the bones, as well as the muscles and ligaments. Over time, this can cause arthritis, which can leave your dog with very painful and stiff joints. For many, it can turn into a very debilitating condition.

Heat Intolerance and Breathing Issues
Obesity in canines can also lead to their inability to deal with the heat. The excess fat on their body makes them unable to regulate their own body temperature by panting. Their obesity may also cause them to have difficulty breathing.

These are just a few of the problems associated with obese canines. Obesity can also put them at risk for cancer, reproductive problems, and many other medical conditions. To remedy the situation, your dog should be getting regular exercise. It could be a walk in the park or they could be your running partner. Keep in mind, if your dog has not been active for awhile, you will want to start out slowly and make sure your dog is not overdoing it.

You should also get your dog on a good nutritional program. Ask your veterinarian which food they would recommend to your dog. While you want your pet to lose weight, you also want to meet all of their nutritional requirements or you run the risk of more problems with your pet.

While many people feel that overfeeding their pet or having a obese dog is a sign that they are well taken care of, the truth of the matter is that obesity in canines is a form of abuse. If your dog is suffering from obesity, consult your veterinarian immediately and get your dog on an exercise program and diet that will help them to be take the weight off.