Does being too overweight affect a dog's health

When we see our own dog's round and chubby appearance, we always feel very cute, and even can't help but want to feed it more delicious food. However, is it really good for dogs to be too fat? The hidden health risks behind this are worth pondering for every dog lover.

To determine whether a dog is too fat, there needs to be scientific standards. Generally speaking, it can be evaluated through the Physical Condition Score (BCS). If it is difficult to touch a dog's ribs with your hands and there is no obvious curve of contraction in the dog's abdomen, but a thick accumulation of fat, then the dog is likely to be overweight. At the same time, when viewed from above, healthy dogs will have a noticeable contraction in their waist, while obese dogs have a barrel shaped body with no visible contraction in their waist. For example, the common Golden Retriever has a well proportioned body and smooth muscle lines under normal circumstances, while the obese Golden Retriever has a sagging belly and slower movements.

Dogs that are too fat have multiple and serious impacts on their health. Firstly, there is a significant increase in pressure on the bones and joints. The bones and joints of a dog are like the pillars of a house, supporting the weight of the entire body. When a dog is overweight, the pressure on its bones and joints will far exceed the load. In the long run, it is easy to cause diseases such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Imagine a dog struggling every step due to joint pain. Originally lively and active, it can only lie quietly in a corner, its eyes filled with pain and helplessness. As the owner, how can one not feel sorry?

The cardiovascular system will also face significant challenges. Obesity requires dogs' hearts to work harder to supply blood to the body, which increases the burden on the heart and can easily lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and hypertension. Like an overloaded machine, it can malfunction at any time. Moreover, obesity can lead to elevated blood lipids and increased blood viscosity in dogs, further affecting blood circulation and increasing the risk of thrombosis.

The respiratory system is equally vulnerable. Fat accumulation in the neck and chest of obese dogs can compress the respiratory tract, leading to poor breathing. This situation becomes more pronounced during exercise or hot weather, and dogs may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. In severe cases, it may even develop into respiratory distress syndrome, endangering life.

In addition to these, obesity will also affect the dog's endocrine system, causing diseases such as diabetes. Insulin is an important hormone that regulates blood sugar. Obese dogs often develop insulin resistance, which reduces their sensitivity to insulin and leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes not only requires long-term drug treatment and strict diet control, but also causes a series of complications, such as cataracts, kidney diseases, which seriously affect the quality of life of dogs.

Since obesity in dogs poses so many risks, how can we prevent and improve it? Firstly, a reasonable diet is crucial. Choose appropriate dog food based on the age, weight, breed, and activity level of the dog, and strictly follow the feeding recommendations on the packaging for feeding. Avoid overfeeding high calorie, high-fat snacks such as fried foods, cream cakes, etc. You can divide your dog's food into several feedings instead of giving too much at once, which can help control your appetite.

Increasing physical activity is also essential. Take your dog for moderate exercise every day, such as walking, playing, running, etc. Different breeds of dogs have different exercise needs, such as working dogs like Border Collies, which require a large amount of exercise to consume energy; Small dogs like Chihuahuas, although relatively less active, still require a certain amount of daily activity. Exercise not only helps dogs burn excess calories, but also enhances their muscle strength and improves their immune system.

It is also important to take your dog to a pet hospital for regular check ups. Veterinarians can promptly detect health issues in dogs through professional examinations and provide reasonable advice. For example, regularly checking a dog's weight, blood indicators, joint condition, etc., in order to adjust their diet and exercise plan in a timely manner.

Being too fat is not a cute sign, but a warning bell for health. We love dogs, so we should pay attention to their health and use scientific methods to help them maintain a suitable weight. When we see dogs under our careful care, with healthy bodies, running and playing happily, the happiness and satisfaction cannot be described in words. Let us use love and responsibility to safeguard the healthy life of dogs and accompany them through every wonderful time.