An Overweight Dog is An Unhappy Dog

We all like to give our dogs treats to reward good behavior  But, giving pets too many treats can cause serious health issues. Obesity in dogs is a growing problem and can lead to a severely reduced quality of life for pets.The Obesity Problem

Along with being very uncomfortable for the animal, obesity in dogs is linked to a number of health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even cancer. Being overweight can even cause a dog’s personality to change. They become less sprightly and less eager to exercise and play.

Is Your Dog Obese?

Dogs become overweight, or even obese, when they get more energy from food than they can use up with exercise. That means they are either eating too much or not getting enough exercise.

To check if a dog is obese, owners should look at the animal from above. They should have a visible curved indentation at the waist area. If their body looks like a straight line, the dog could be overweight. Owners should also be able to feel their pet’s ribs, although they should not stick out.

What Owners Can Do?

In order to maintain their dog’s healthy weight, owners should feed them commercial pet food, rather than give them a home-made diet. They should also follow the instructions on the packet closely to make sure they are not over-feeding their pet. Owners should also make sure their dog is getting regular exercise. Along with daily walks, dogs should also be allowed to run, off their leads, in safe, contained areas.