Fit Fur-ever: The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Your Dog

Excess weight can have a significant impact on a dog’s health, and it’s important for pet owners to understand the risks associated with obesity. 

It can be a bit of a touchy subject, with some owners taking offence to the suggestion that their dog is overweight. The reality is that most owners don’t know what an ideal weight for their dog looks like. Most veterinarians and dog rehabilitation practitioners will use something called a body condition score to assess your dogs’ current and ideal weight. If you don’t know what that is, check this example out here.

Here are some of the ways that excess weight can affect a dog’s health:

1. Arthritis and joint problems: Carrying extra weight can put added stress on a dog’s joints, leading to arthritis and other joint problems. This can make it difficult for them to move around and can cause them pain.
2. Respiratory issues: Obesity can make it harder for a dog to breathe, which can lead to respiratory issues. This can be especially dangerous for dogs with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as brachycephalic breeds.
3. Heart disease: Excess weight can put added strain on a dog’s heart, increasing the risk of heart disease. This can make it harder for them to exercise and can decrease their overall quality of life.
4. Diabetes: Obesity in dogs can also increase the risk of diabetes, which can lead to other health problems such as blindness and kidney disease.
5. Reduced life expectancy: Dogs that are overweight are at a greater risk of developing health problems, which can lead to a reduced life expectancy.

It is essential to take action to help your dog lose weight if you notice they are gaining weight. You can do this with a combination of exercises and a balanced canine diet. If you’d like more information on how to do that, here are 8 simple tips to help your dog lose weight.