If you think only a few pet owners have obese pets, you’re mistaken. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s study in 2018, almost 50% of canines in the United States are obese. Our four-legged companion’s fitness and health will depend upon us, and whether they get obese is proof of how we care for them.
So if you’re thinking about what caused your canine to be obese or just curious about preventing it in your loyal companion, we’ll tell you everything we know as we proceed.
Top 5 Causes of Dog Obesity
Folks nowadays are frequently drawn to pudgy puppies, plump babies, and other chubby things. However, the health impacts connected with obesity when their children and dogs grow up are far from cute. Luckily, pet obesity is among the most preventable conditions. So to improve your awareness of preventing your dog from getting obese, we’ve detailed the five leading causes of pet obesity.
1. Spay/neuter
Did you know that a decrease in sex hormones can make your pet feel hungrier and physically inactive? If you’re noticing the same signs for your recently sterilized pet, seek your vet’s recommendations for suitable food plans for your canine who has gained excessive weight due to neutering or spaying.
2. Overfeeding
Overfeeding is among the obvious ways pets become obese. If you live in a household that loves pets, your furry companion could overeat without you knowing, as your family members may feed them human foods or treats at different times and more than what they should eat daily.
However, your dog’s food or treat consumption can be easily observed by marking a calendar or whiteboard in your living room so all your family members can see and keep track. Did you know that obesity can even occur in exotic pets? This is why it’s always vital to track their food consumption and routinely take them to exotic veterinarians to guarantee they’re healthy and living their best life in their enclosure.
If you’re looking for a qualified exotic vet to examine your chameleon or turtle, you may search the web for “exotic veterinarian near me” for specific results.
3. Lack of exercise
Getting insufficient or no exercise is a common reason dogs gain weight. Although the amount of exercise pets require will depend on their size, breed, and age, go for 20-60 minutes of activity with your pet daily. But if your furry companion hasn’t exercised the entire week or month, do not suddenly go on a 3-mile run with them, as this might cause shock and strain to their body.
Should your dog get broken bones or fractures during your exercise with them, immediately stop the activity and have them checked by a veterinary surgery expert for urgent treatment.
4. Injuries or health conditions
Pets struggling with chronic conditions, injuries, or diseases can impact their weight. Canines with mobility issues or pain due to certain health conditions are less likely to exercise than healthier ones. Since they have lower energy requirements than active and healthy canines, they can be easily overfed and gain more weight.
If your canine is in a state where it can’t freely exercise, talk with the vet about the light exercise routines that will help them remain in good shape without any strains and discomfort. You may visit their websites to learn more about how they can help you and your injured pet.
5. Aging
As pets age, their activity and energy level might drop, leading them to burn fewer calories. Like people, canines lose muscle when they age. The loss of muscle mass can lead to slower metabolism, which leads to fat gain. If you do not modify their diet plan to compensate for their lack of physical activity, they may gain more unnecessary pounds.
