Obesity is a problem that affects not only people, but also their pets.
Why is excess weight dangerous for dogs?
Even if an animal is 20% overweight, this can lead to serious illnesses – due to the fact that the dog’s immunity decreases, it becomes more susceptible to infectious and other diseases.
In addition, fat begins to fill the space of internal organs (for example, the liver), thereby harming them.
A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition often result in diabetes. If this disease is neglected, it can lead to death.
Finally, extra pounds are fraught with problems with bones and joints - dogs diagnosed with arthritis are lethargic, they are not interested in games and physical activity.
Signs of Obesity in Dogs
The owner of the animal needs to monitor the behavior of his pet. The alarm bell rings when the dog becomes lethargic - it simply does not have enough energy and strength to play, it sleeps often, starts walking less and suffers from shortness of breath.
Excess weight, of course, changes the animal’s appearance – it no longer fits on its bed, and the collar, which was previously a good fit, has to be made larger.
If it becomes difficult to see the waist line and feel the ribs, do not delay your visit to a specialist.
Changes in diet should also be a cause for concern, such as when your pet starts whining, begging for food, or shows aggression while eating.
What to do to prevent your dog from becoming obese
Your helpers are proper nutrition and physical activity. Don't forget about veterinary examinations and weighings, which will help you track your pet's weight.
Earlier we talked about when cats actually reach old age .
