
The predominant factors causing dog obesity are a surplus of calories and lack of exercise.Dogs that have been ill or injured typically need to recover by resting, and this situation predisposes them to gain unnecessary weight. Sometimes, an unusual weight gain can be linked to hypothyrodism (hormonal imbalance brought about by an underactive thyroid gland) or Cushing’s syndrome (related to a stress hormone called cortisol). Meanwhile, certain breeds are prone to weight gain more than others (these include beagles, English bulldogs, basset hound, German shepherd, boxer, Labrador retriever, Scottish terrier, dachshunds, and pugs).
An obese or overweight dog is susceptible to developing a host of health problems, such as cardiac diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, orthopedic problems and injuries, arthritis, thyroid issues, as well as bladder, liver, and respiratory disorders.
If your dog is overweight or obese, you should consult your Westside Pet Hospital (Duda) about your pet’s weight loss regimen.