Canine Obesity

Have you noticed your dog looking a bit round lately? If so, Fido is certainly in good company. Studies have shown that over half of our canine friends are overweight or obese! Pudgy pets may look cute, but your furry pal will be much healthier if he stays at or near his ideal weight. Below, an Omaha, NE vet discusses canine obesity.

Risks of Obesity

Your four-legged buddy could face some very serious health issues if he is obese or overweight. Chubby pups have elevated risks of developing many dangerous medical problems, such as heart disease; cancer; skin problems; respiratory issues; and painful bone/joint disorders, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Fido could also have kidney or liver problems, and could have trouble reproducing. Those extra pounds can even shorten your beloved pet’s life!

Feeding Fido

Proper nutrition is very important to your dog’s health and well-being. Give Fido the best pet food you can afford, but don’t overindulge him. Ask your vet for specific nutritional recommendations, including portion sizes. Of course, we can’t really address canine obesity without discussing begging. Our canine friends are experts at scoring themselves extra snacks. Don’t fall for those big sad eyes! If you absolutely can’t resist your adorable pet’s theatrics, give him a carrot or a string bean.

Keeping Your Dog Active

Man’s Best Friend may be a furry ball of zoom while he’s young, but he often slows down with age. Don’t let your pet become a couch potato! All dogs need some activity, even if it’s just a daily walk. If you aren’t very active yourself, you can keep Fido moving by playing fetch or using a laser pointer. These activities allow you to stay stationary while your furry buddy runs around. However, not all exercises are right for every dog. Vigorous activity, and certain types of movements, are actually dangerous for some pups. Ask your vet for advice.

Helping Your Pooch Slim Down

If your canine buddy is getting chubby, consult your vet before making any changes to his diet. Crash dieting is very dangerous for canine metabolism, and could make your pet very sick! Fido must trim down slowly in order to lose weight without endangering his health.

Do you know or suspect that you have a pudgy pooch on your hands? Call us, your local Omaha, NE animal clinic, today! We are always happy to help!