Is Your Dog Overweight? Pet Health Articles

Pet Health Articles

Is Your Dog Overweight?

Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our pets. It can cause
unnecessary suffering and shortened lifespan.
Use the following as a guide to determine if your dog is overweight:

NORMAL OVERWEIGHT

Difficult to feel ribs with excess fat covering.
Viewed from the side, belly has minimal or
no tuck.
Viewed from above, no waist in front of the
hips.

Easy to feel ribs without excess fat covering.
Viewed from the side, belly is tucked up.
Viewed from above, a noticeable waist in
front of the hips

Obesity Health Concerns
Obesity among dogs and cats is one of the leading nutritional diseases. Many veterinarians
believe it is the greatest health issue facing American’s pets.
The following health concerns may occur as a result of obesity:

Joint or locomotion difficulties ...
Extra pounds put added stress on
joints, bones, ligaments and muscles.
Conditions such as arthritis, hip
dysplasia, disk disease and ligament
ruptures may be caused or aggravated
by obesity.

Heart and Respiratory Disease ...
Heart and lungs have to work harder to
provide adequate oxygen and
circulation. Also, extra fat in the chest
cavity and around the heart muscle can
decrease the efficiency of the heart
and lungs.

Diabetes ... Just like people,
diabetes is much more common in
obese dogs and cats.

Liver Disease ... Obese animals are prone
to liver disease.

Heat Intolerance ... Insulating properties
of excessive fat make obese animals
uncomfortable and unable to tolerate heat.

Skin Problems ... Obese animals often
have trouble grooming themselves. The
rolls of skin built up by fat deposits can
often harbor dirt, bacteria and other
harmful organisms.

Gastrointestinal Disorder ... Pancreatitis
is seen all too often in obese dogs. This
condition is painful and life threatening

ALL ABOUT DOGS and CATS Resource Center for Canine & Feline Lovers