If your dog is overweight, your veterinarian has probably warned you that obesity could lead to health problems. Too much weight puts strain on your pup, so steps should be taken to help your pooch get back to a healthy weight. Here are some of the problems that arise from obesity in dogs and what you can do about it. 

Why Obesity Is Bad for Dogs

Obesity puts stress on a dog’s body and can also shorten their life span. Extra weight increases the pressure put on joints, leading to earlier onset of problems such as osteoarthritis. Even a small amount of weight loss will reduce the chances of your dog ending up in pain due to arthritis. Back problems, such as a slipped disk, also result from obesity.

Excessive inflammation is bad for dogs just as it is for humans. Fat releases hormones that cause inflammation, and if this becomes chronic, it can lead to a wide range of health problems. 

Obesity also makes certain conditions more difficult for a veterinarian to treat, including respiratory problems and tracheal collapse. Furthermore, being overweight can increase the time it takes for a dog to recover from illness.

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Your veterinarian will be able to give you some tips on how to help your dog lose weight, and there are some easy changes you can make to shave some pounds off your pup.

Dogs love treats, which often come in the form of food. But all kinds of things make dogs happy, and you can give treats in different ways. Examples include grooming, walks, and petting. You can also divide up your dog’s regular meals into smaller portions and give some of the portions as treats and rewards. Talk to your veterinarian about the calorie requirements of a dog the size of yours, and try not to go too far over the daily recommendation. If you have more than one pet and have a problem with your dog stealing another pet’s food, try introducing separate mealtimes.

Another way to help your dog lose weight is to make exercise fun. This could be playing ball, throwing sticks, or even just extending walking time. If your dog is older and not feeling energetic due to the extra weight, start off slow and build toward longer adventures outdoors.

Robertsdale Animal Clinic in Baldwin County, AL, has approachable and knowledgeable pet professionals on hand to provide the best possible care for your pet. As well as treating dogs with obesity problems, they offer a wide range of veterinarian services from routine wellness exams to emergency care and cutting-edge surgical procedures. To schedule an appointment, call (251) 947-7297. Learn more about the team on their website.