HEALTH RISKS TO DOGS

Extra Pounds Do Matter

Extra pounds do matter. Even if your dog is only 5 pounds overweight, this can represent a large percentage of his body weight and have a huge impact on his health before you know it. Five pounds may not seem like a lot but for a Cocker spaniel for instance, this could represent 20% of his ideal body weight.

There are many health risks associated with obesity. It causes a lot of excessive strain on their skeletal structures, therefore weight loss should be a huge priority for any dog with arthritis. The less weight their legs and back have to carry, the less debilitating it will be for them. Excessive weight also causes the cardiovascular system to be strained and weakened, leading to heart disease. Overweight animals are much more prone to developing diabetes which will require life long treatment. Lastly, dogs that have respiratory conditions or congenitally short noses and airways (such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston terriers to name a few) will also have a much more difficult time breathing and overheat more quickly if they are significantly overweight.