Like humans, dogs can gain weight for many reasons, including improper diet and lack of exercise. According to the Pet Obesity Prevention Association, about 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese last year. Of these, approximately 50.2 million dogs have health problems because they are too heavy.

Although obesity is not just a problem of overfeeding, it is certainly a big factor. When you control its diet very strictly or exercise regularly and its weight is still getting higher and higher, it’s time to pay attention.

Many diseases in dogs are caused by excessive obesity.

Is my dog ​​overweight?

From left to right is the fat content and risk coefficient (low, mild, moderate, high, severe, extreme)

We have all heard of BMI (body mass index), which determines whether you are healthy based on your height and age. In animals, we use BFI (Body Fat Index) to determine a pet's weight, using their body weight and specific measurements to determine an index of health.

Causes of dog obesity:

·Cushing's disease

This is a disease that mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly dogs. The weight gain of dogs with Cushing's disease is due to endocrine disorders and an imbalance of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone controls metabolism and other body functions. Even without caloric intake, they may experience symptoms such as increased appetite, enlarged abdomen, abnormal thirst, excessive urination, hair loss, and weakened strength.

· Diabetes

This is a chronic metabolic disorder involving an imbalance in the amount of sugar in blood sugar. Weight gain can be the trigger or the end result of blood sugar imbalance. Diabetes can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes, with weight gain and loss being symptoms of the disease, as well as increased lethargy, thirst, and urination.

· Genetic susceptibility

While any dog ​​can be obese, certain breeds are at increased risk, such as Labrador retrievers, basset hounds, beagles, Rottweilers, spaniels, Saint Bernards, pit bulls, and Dachshund. If you have a dog of this breed at home, it is recommended to have regular physical examinations.

·Lack of exercise and overeating

These two types of emotionsThe condition can lead to gradual weight gain that is often difficult to reverse, and they require more exercise than other dogs. Another thing to note is that in older dogs, their metabolism slows down, so they also burn calories. In addition to this, a poor diet can also lead to nutritional imbalances, which can be observed through dry skin/coat, dull glasses, diarrhea or constipation, and behavioral changes.

·Drug treatment

There are a variety of medications that can stimulate weight gain in dogs. If they suddenly gain weight after taking a new prescription, they should go to the hospital to consult a doctor in time to see if the medication needs to be adjusted.

·Pregnancy

This is an obvious point, but there are also cases where the owner doesn’t notice at all when a dog is pregnant. This possibility can occur if the dog has not been neutered and has been in recent contact with other dogs.

·Thyroid disease

The thyroid disease most likely to cause weight gain in dogs is hypothyroidism, which is particularly common in medium/large elderly dogs. If your dog is overweight and often lethargic, has dry, itchy skin, or dull coat, it's best to get a thorough physical exam to rule out underlying conditions.

How to prevent your dog from being overweight:

· Control your diet

We can feed according to the feeding chart on the food. When it is overly obese, we should reduce the amount of snacks and feeding at each meal

· Walk or jog

Increasing your dog’s amount of exercise and taking regular walks can reduce common disease problems. Not only can it burn calories, it can also improve your dog’s physical fitness, increase muscle, and reduce the risk of depression.

· Swimming

Swimming is an all-in-one exercise that is especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis. Because it's a low-impact exercise that builds muscles, improves endurance, and enhances cardiorespiratory function. But not all dogs like swimming. We can slowly encourage them with toys or snacks.

Note: When you exercise with your dog, pay attention to their physical condition. If it breathes too fast, pant excessively, or freezes in place, the dog may be overworked. Be sure to relax and rest.