All About Pets • Volume 3 • Issue 2 • Jan–Apr 2023 4 HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Obesity in Dogs Obesity can be the primary factor to successive secondary conditions. Following are some factors that can help identify if your pet dog is suffering from obesity. • Difficulty in seeing or feeling the dog’s ribs and waistline • Abdominal sagging • Rounder face • Excessive panting • Tiredness • Reduced exercise or walks • Disinterest in playing games Obesity can lead to multiple issues such as skin problems, cardiac and respiratory disorders, hormonal problems, cancer, and urogenital disorders, which eventually may lead to premature death. In some cases, obesity may also lead to tracheal collapse and laryngeal paralysis too. Other common conditions associated with pet obesity are diabetes, arthritis, and heart diseases. Fat was thought to be an energy reserve and an insulator; however, it is now known to secrete hormones that affect a lot of physiologic functions such as appetite, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. Fat also causes an imbalance in water concentration and blood pressure, leading to kidney diseases and hypertension. Obesity can be prevented by providing proper care for your pet. It is important to include regular exercise and the right diet for your pet, track the quantity of food that your pet eats, and regularly visit your veterinarian for weight checks. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in dogs. Age, gender, reproductive health, exercise score, diet, and environment are some of the factors that contribute to a pet’s obesity. Sources: American Kennel Club. The farmer’s dog. Obesity in dogs: a major health threat hiding in plain sight. https://www.akc.org/. Published February 24, 2020. Accessed December 5, 2022. Marc Abraham. Obesity: a common problem in dogs. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/. Accessed December 5, 2022.
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