Obesity in Dogs

Obesity in Dogs
By Nicks J

Tackling obesity in dogs is not difficult. Overeating and inadequate physical activity often cause obesity in dogs. To know about the treatment for canine obesity, read on.

Dogs that carry an excessive amount of fat, which can have adverse effects on their health, are considered to be obese. Obesity is a common health problem present in dogs. Obese dogs are likely to face increased blood pressure and heart related problems. Carrying extra pounds can also cause congestive heart failure. The most common consequence of obesity in dogs is diabetes.

Causes of Obesity in Dogs

Dog owners often allow their pets to lead a sedentary life with little physical exercise. This causes an accumulation of fats around the different organs of the dog's body. Many dogs become obese due to a low rate of metabolism. Metabolism is a process which takes place in living organisms, by which the consumed food is used for energy production. Metabolism disorders can cause obesity in dogs. Slow metabolism often makes the dog unresponsive to the surrounding environment. Lack of exercise is the main cause of obesity in dogs. Many commercial dog foods contain high amounts of fats. Hence, one should be very careful in choosing dog foods. The nutritious food recommended for dogs is often fed in higher amounts, which may lead to weight gain and obesity. The excess intake of calories, increases the amount of fat in the body. Grains are the main component of many commercial dog foods, and are a rich source of carbohydrates. Such a carbohydrate heavy diet with inadequate exercise, contributes towards dog obesity.

A recent study suggests that certain breeds of dogs that include Spaniels and Labradors, are susceptible to this condition due to their large appetite. An underlying disease that decreases the ability to burn energy in a dog, can also cause obesity in dogs. Diseases of the joints such as arthritis, deters the dog from being physically active, which may lead to excess weight gain and obesity.

Treatment for Obesity in Dogs

An appropriate food that decreases the daily calorie intake of the dog is essential. Reduce the consumption of foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. This directly affects the weight of the dog. There are plenty of diets formulated for weight loss. As obese dogs eat more, so it is better to increase water and fiber intake to satiate their hunger. Increase the physical activity of the affected dog. This will help reduce the weight of the dog. Frequent exercise in the form of short walks, is beneficial for the dog. One must be very careful while giving food to the dog so as to avoid overfeeding. A therapeutic diet prescribed by a veterinarian can also help decrease significant weight.

Natural supplements are also an excellent remedy to treat obesity in dogs. One should choose dog supplements that contain ingredients like thistle and dandelion. Research has shown that these ingredients have been effective in the treatment of obese dogs. These ingredients detoxify the body and clear the dog's system from accumulated fats. Another useful ingredient for treating obese dogs is Fucus Vesiculosus. This herb is rich in vitamins A, B, C and D. It also contains loads of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. These minerals and vitamins play a very important role in restoring a healthy metabolism rate required to reduce the sluggishness of the dog. There are some natural herbal medicines that can also help tackle this problem.

To effectively fight obesity, a strictly controlled diet is recommended for the dog. At the same time, ensure that the dog is getting adequate exercise. Plenty of exercise accompanied by a healthy diet can work wonders for obese dogs.