We dog owners all want our furry friends to live long and happy lives. A healthy dog is a
happy dog, and ensuring that your canine friend is healthy is essential for them to live a
long and fulfilling life. Unfortunately, the latest studies show that obesity in dogs has become
a significant issue with pups in the United States lately. That is a worrying fact because
obesity puts our pet friends at risk for various health issues, such as diabetes, respiratory
problems, and heart disease. In addition, cancer among pets is not rare nowadays, as many
of them suffer from this disease.
But there are lots of things you can do to help our puppies to stay fit and healthy. You can
assist your dogs in maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding several health issues by
monitoring their food intake, increasing their exercise, offering wholesome snacks, and
scheduling routine checkups with the veterinarian. We prepared some essential advice on
the following:
● What is obesity in dogs, and how to recognize it;
● What impact can obesity have on your pup;
● How to help your puppy stay fit;

What is Obesity in Dogs, and How to Recognize it?
Dog obesity occurs when a dog carries excess body fat. On average, a dog is considered
obese if its weight exceeds the allowed weight by 20%. This number, of course, will not be
the same for all dogs. They will vary depending on the breed and sex of the dog.
Dog owners need to know the warning signs of obesity in their pups to take steps before the
issue progresses. The most common symptom of obesity in dogs includes breathing
problems, unwillingness to exercise, excessive panting, an inability to groom themselves
adequately, and a noticeable lack of waistline definition. In addition, you should also be
aware of your dog’s weight and body condition score. You may determine this by feeling
your dog’s rib cage and waist. Your dog may be overweight or obese if you cannot feel its
rib cage or waistline, if they have a sagging belly, or otherwise appear round.

What Impact Can Obesity Have on Your Pup?
If your dog is overweight, his health may be at risk. There are numerous health
consequences that your dog can suffer due to obesity. Some of the most common health
problems associated with obesity in dogs include:
Diabetes
Dogs who are obese can develop diabetes. The longer your dog is overweight, the
higher the chance of developing diabetes. That happens because their bodies have
difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. Insulin shots and close attention are the only
ways to keep diabetes under control. In addition, this is a non-curable diagnosis, making it
one of the most dangerous.
Heart Disease

Overweight dogs are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. Excess weight strains
the heart, which can lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular problems.

Respiratory Problems
Obese dogs are more likely to experience respiratory issues like shortness of breath and
breathing difficulties. That is because the extra weight strains the lungs and makes breathing
difficult for dogs. If you have an older dog, this issue may become more severe. That
condition is mainly present in breeds already facing breathing difficulties, such as bulldogs
and Frenchies.
Arthritis
Many obese dogs suffer from arthritis, an inflammation of the joints that causes stiffness,
discomfort, and pain. Dogs with arthritis have altered or destroyed the cartilage in their
joints (hip, elbow, etc.), which makes the joint less supple and causes the bones to rub
against one another. This friction can cause discomfort or agony and worsen cartilage injury.

How to Help Your Puppy Stay Fit?
As a pet owner, ensuring your puppy stays healthy and active is important. Puppies have a
lot of energy and need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Here are some tips on how to
keep your puppy fit:
Stick to the Routine
Any change of the routine can cause stress to your pup. Consequently, stress may cause
obesity in dogs. Minimize the stress the puppy experiences by reducing exposure to loud
noises, unfamiliar people, or animals. In addition, every change in climate or living place can
significantly impact a dog’s stress level, particularly if the new environment differs considerably

from its previous home. However, to make your relocation as smooth as
possible for your pup, let a skilled team help you with your apartment move in California and
try your best to get your pup as far as possible from stress sources.
Regular Exercise and Check-ups
Firstly, to keep active and healthy, puppies require daily exercise. Walk your puppy or play
fetch with it at the park. Puppies love to play, and engaging in playtime can be a great
way to keep them fit. Play games like tug-of-war or hide-and-seek with your puppy.
Secondly, preventive care and routine vaccinations can help your puppy stay healthy in the
long run. Moreover, regular veterinarian check-ups can ensure your puppy stays healthy and
fit.

Balanced Diet
For their general health and fitness, your puppy needs to eat a balanced diet. Ensure that
your puppy’s food contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. For the
development and growth of their muscles, puppies require lots of protein. Seek for a high
protein level puppy food that includes animal protein sources like fish, chicken, or lamb.
Puppies require more frequent, smaller meals spread throughout the day. Follow the
nutrition feeding guidelines on the puppy food bag and modify the portion sizes according to
your puppy’s age, breed, and degree of activity.

Final Thoughts
Obesity in dogs poses a severe health risk. As responsible pet owners, we must recognize
the signs of obesity in our dogs and take action to help them stay fit and healthy. You may

take various actions to support your pets’ weight management and physical fitness. They
consist of giving your regular pet exercise, feeding them healthy food, and setting up
frequent veterinary checkups. Prevent obesity and ensure that your pets have long, healthy,
and happy lives by following these guidelines.

 

 

Focus keyphrase: Obesity in dogs
Meta description: A healthy dog is a happy dog! Avoiding obesity in dogs means ensuring
that your furry friend lives a long and happy life.
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