As a conscientious pet parent, when your pet is overweight, you need to make necessary changes to their diet and activity level, sometimes to no avail.

If the problem is not solved through diet and exercise, what else causes them to gain weight?

In addition to eating habits and lack of activity, there are other causes of weight gain. Here are the seven most likely factors:

1. Pregnancy

This is the most obvious cause of weight gain and the appearance of a potbelly.

Although it may seem obvious, some pet owners are completely unaware that their dog is pregnant until a small group of pups appears in front of them.

This can happen if a female dog is not spayed and a few minutes left unattended in the backyard can lead to an unwanted pregnancy.

Therefore, do not strictly control your diet or exercise simply because of weight gain. It could just be pregnancy.

2. Excessive fluid

A common side effect of heart disease is a condition called ascites, a term used for excess fluid in the abdomen.

The external symptom is an enlarged abdomen, which is similar to the symptoms of obesity caused by overeating or lack of exercise. Other conditions can predispose the body to this condition, including tumors or internal organ disease.

In very young dogs, abnormal amounts of fluid in the abdomen may be the result of a congenital defect that causes abnormal blood flow to the heart. Another cause of ascites may be related to hepatitis, in which the circulatory system bypasses (shunts) the liver.

3. Prescription drugs

There are some prescription drugs that can also cause weight gain, especially if they are taken long-term.

If your dog is on any type of medication and you also have a weight problem that cannot be controlled with simple food management and moderate exercise, you need to consult with your veterinarian to see if the medication is related to the weight and if a lower dose can prevent further Gain weight.

IV. Parasites

Internal parasites, especially those in the abdominal wall and intestines (although not limited to these types), often cause fluid to accumulate around the infected area, causing a pot-bellied appearance.

This condition is common in young dogs whose immune systems are not yet strong enough to fight off the effects of parasitic infection, and is more severe when the internal parasite load is excessive.

During a standard exam, your veterinarian will collect blood, fluid, and fecal samples, one or more of which will showThe presence of parasites in the body. Once the specific type of parasite is identified, your veterinarian will be able to prescribe the appropriate dewormer.

5. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of thyroid hormone, which is the body's primary source of energy.

Energy enters the body in the form of food, and under normal health conditions, the body burns this energy during normal activities. However, thyroid hormone production can cause metabolism to slow and excess energy to be retained in the body, leading to weight gain. The name for this condition is hypothyroidism.

It can be confusing to note that your pet is still gaining weight even if he or she is eating very little. This is because even when small amounts of food are consumed, the energy is stored through metabolic processes rather than being excreted.

Some other symptoms of this disease are fatigue, rough hair, slow heart rate, and itchy, dry skin. You can see your veterinarian for some direct blood tests to determine if your dog has underlying hypothyroidism. If the diagnosis is positive for hypothyroidism, it can be treated with medication.

6. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism)

Cushing's disease, commonly seen in older animals, especially older dogs, is a disease caused by chronic overproduction of glucocorticoids, which are important in the regulation of protein, carbohydrate, and metabolism. This hormone is associated with the adrenal glands (found near the kidneys) and pituitary glands, and occurs when certain of these glands become abnormal.

With Cushing's disease of the pituitary gland, the condition is usually caused by a tumor in the gland, causing the gland to produce excess ACTH. This is the most common form of Cushing's. In adrenal Cushing's disease, the condition is caused by an overproduction of cortisol, a steroid hormone. Cushing's disease typically presents with muscle weakness and weight loss, increased appetite, urinary tract infections, and rapid weight gain.

One of the most obvious outward symptoms is a big belly, which is caused by the depletion of abdominal muscles and the movement of fat into the abdominal area. If you suspect your dog has Cushing's disease, you will need to take your dog to the hospital for a definitive examination.

7. Expansion

Some dogs may have the habit of eating food quickly due to their nature, living conditions or previous experiences. That is to say, the way of eating is to swallow food without chewing it. This may happen frequently, but when they eat food like this, they also swallow a lot of air.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) caused by a stomach filled with unchewed food and excess airThe condition, often called bloat.

In addition to obvious abdominal distension, dogs with bloat will often experience difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, abdominal pain, and drooling. This is a life-threatening illness that requires immediate medical attention. Bloat is most common in large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles.

Dear pet-loving parents, please do not easily ignore the problem of dogs being overweight. You must understand the reasons clearly to prevent some serious diseases that may be life-threatening!