Here's How Weight Can Affect Your Dog's Overall Wellbeing

Dogs really love food, but they can’t have too much of it. Just like humans, they’re at risk of gaining too much weight and becoming obese, and that can lead to health problems later on. Even just five pounds too many can be potentially deadly, or at least dangerous.

Some problems that may develop include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Cancer

Fat dogs also tend to deal with issues such as a lack of energy or motivation and a decreased interest in play and exercise. This can further contribute to detrimental health problems.

But the same goes for dogs who eat too little, or are much too active for the meals they’re consuming. Being underweight can be just as dangerous to a dog. So, is your dog at a healthy weight?

To find out, it’s recommended that you take a look at a weigh chart and compare your dog to it. You can also calculate your dog’s body condition score, which ranges from emaciated to severely obese. A veterinarian can also help you figure out if your dog is at a healthy weight.

Typically, just looking carefully at your dog can tell you if they’re at a good weight or not. You should be able to see their waist easily when looking at them from above or from their side.

So, what if your dog is overweight? The issue probably lies in their food. Make sure that they’re eating a healthy amount and reduce serving sizes if you have to. You can also try to cut back on treats or opt for healthier snack options. Remember, your dog needs to be of a healthy weight to enjoy a long, happy life!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay