More and more domestic dogs are obese today. The cause? Often, the origin comes from misinformation on the part of the owner about the food to adopt for his four-legged friend. There can be a number of reasons for your dog to be obese, obesity can be treated but if the master is not careful, it can have dramatic consequences.

Identifying obesity in dogs

Obesity may seem obvious, if your dog is big, you will tell yourself that he is obese. But being overweight or obese may be less obvious to spot than you think. First of all, you should know that a puppy is not born obese. Some puppies are “stronger” than others at the beginning, but they won't necessarily become obese dogs. To spot obesity In particular, you can refer to its growth curve and check that it is consistent with normal. You can also find your way around with the silhouette of your dog seen from above and make sure that his figure is not all round but defined. A quick technique to spot obesity in your dog is also to touch his ribs. When stroking, if you can smell your dog's ribs succinctly but present, there's no reason to worry. On the other hand, if when you run your hand over your dog's ribs and you don't feel the bones, it means that there is surely too much fat. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice, he will be able to quickly identify if your dog shows signs of overweight.

What are the causes and consequences of canine obesity?

Canine obesity usually comes from a poor match between diet and physical activity. The dog is not active enough in relation to the volume of food consumed. It is one of the main causes of obesity in dogs. Remember that your dog needs to run. After a long absence during the day, it is better to go for a walk with your dog than to give him treats while you are preparing the meal. Your dog needs attention and interaction, and that can very well be done in the garden around a tennis ball.

Also, remember that the choice of quantity should be made according to the size of your dog. Giving a Madeleine to your Yorkshire is giving him 1/3 of these daily intakes. Therefore, if you use sweets, reduce the portion. If your animal is sterilized, use specific kibble. And above all, get advice from your veterinarian on the quantity to give and weigh the ration every day.

The consequences associated with obesity Injuries can be serious and life expectancy may decrease. Many complications will be detected because of dog obesity: joint problems due to the body's load on the joints, kidney problems, increased blood pressure, respiratory disorders, heart diseases or even a significant risk of diabetes... Depending on the dog's degree of obesity, some disorders will occur more quickly, but this is a problem to be monitored very carefully.

How do you fix it?

To properly treat obesity and remedy it in a lasting way, you need to see a veterinarian and your dog must have medical assistance. Generally, the veterinarian sets up a dietary follow-up and will tell you how on a daily basis you can change your dog's diet and what exercises to do with your dog. Do not hesitate to call a veterinarian as soon as you suspect an increase in weight in your dog, he will be able to advise you and tell you what to do.