What Causes Dog Weight Gain?
We are almost always worried about our pet’s weight. Due to excess weight gain, our pets face various problems. Below are some reasons for weight gain.
Overeating Fast Food
Nowadays, pet dogs are not fed homemade food by their owners. They find it difficult to make, so they allow them to consume high-calorie foods instead. Fast food contains many calories, leading to excessive weight gain in pets.
Excessive Sugar Consumption
Sugar is a common and very harmful ingredient in our diet. Excess sugar consumption can lead to belly fat, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. While serving food to our dogs, we must remember that the food should be low in sugar.
Excess Calorie Intake
Excess calorie intake is one of the reasons for weight gain. We should try to avoid foods that have extra calories, as it is good for dogs.
Carelessness During Holidays
We humans indulge in delicious treats during the holidays, and so do our pets. This leaves dogs with no way to lose the weight they have gained. We can spend these vacations working on their weight loss if we want. It can be controlled by exercising.
Lust for Cheap Food
Currently, pet food companies are producing various types of ready-made food for pets. Some of these companies sell substandard or low-quality food at very low prices, which are very unhealthy. As a result, our pets are getting sicker and fatter by consuming these foods.
Lack of Sleep
Our beloved pets need adequate sleep. Lack of sleep has adverse effects on various hormones that are associated with weight gain.
How to Understand if Your Dog Gains Weight?
It doesn’t take much to know if a dog has gained weight. You only need to be aware of a few physical features. These include abnormal obesity growth in the shape of their flanks and the side view of their abdomen. Their bodies will feel plump and fluffy when rubbed. While walking, you will notice them moving much slower than before.
Risks of Excess Weight
Excess weight in pets exposes them to various risks such as diabetes, urinary system problems, liver problems, bone and joint problems, etc. Chronic obesity in dogs increases the risk of diseases such as cancer. Moreover, obesity complicates surgery in pets due to excess weight. Long-term obesity is not normal; it is very harmful to a pet.
How to Determine the Weight of Pets?
We know pet weight is not easy to measure because there are some breeds of very active dogs, making it difficult to determine their exact weight. Here’s how to weigh active dogs:
First, you need a good-quality scale. Weigh yourself with and without your pet. First, weigh yourself alone, then pick up your pet and weigh yourselves together. Simply subtract your weight from the combined weight of both of you to get the weight of your pet. If your pet is difficult to hold, provide a cage for the pet and subtract the weight of the cage as before.
