Consequences: What obesity can do to a dog
Whatever the reasons for overweight in dogs – excessive feeding due to misunderstood love of animals or an increased appetite after neutering – the consequences can be fatal. Too many kilos on the ribs cause or promote numerous diseases. You can find out what these are here.
Overweight in dogs is less a visual problem than a health problem. Too much body fat can have consequences for the joints, the organs and also for the mental well-being of your four-legged friend.
Consequences of overweight in dogs: Diseases of internal organs
One of the most common consequences of obesity in dogs is digestive problems. These are caused by the fact that quadrupeds with weight problems usually move less than their normal-weight counterparts. However, since the highly sensitive digestive system only functions properly with sufficient exercise, overweight dogs often suffer from intestinal sluggishness. The affected animals then suffer from constipation or flatulence.
Overweight dogs also suffer from urinary stones more often than their congeners. This condition is manifested by increased urine output – often accompanied by pain. You can prevent urinary stones with a special diet. Ask your veterinarian for advice. The consequences of obesity in dogs also include diabetes mellitus. Due to insulin deficiency or – which occurs less frequently in dogs than in humans – insulin resistance, affected dogs can no longer utilize the glucose contained in their food. If you notice any of the symptoms of diabetes in your dog – for example, increased drinking, frequent urination, no feeling of fullness or exhaustion – you should have him examined.
Overweight in dogs: joint problems as consequences
Moreover, the excess kilos can promote devastating joint diseases. The heavier the dog, the greater the strain on its joints. This can cause them to wear out excessively and lead to diseases such as osteoarthritis or arthritis. This is not only painful for the animal, but can also promote other diseases, which then occur as a result of a lack of movement. A vicious circle threatens: the excess weight causes joint pain, which leads to inertia and a reluctance to move. This reduces the dog’s energy consumption and the weight continues to rise while the diet remains the same.
Consequences of overweight for the cardiovascular system
The excess body fat not only stresses the digestive organs, metabolism and joints, but also the heart and circulation. Excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, which weakens the heart in the long run. In addition, it is extremely strenuous for the four-legged friend to carry around the extra kilos. Since the respiratory tract is also affected by the extra fatty tissue, this condition is exacerbated. Overweight dogs also carry an increased risk of anesthesia due to the weakened cardiovascular system, and there is also a greater risk of complications during surgical procedures.
Overweight promotes inflammatory processes
In the abdominal fat of the overweight quadruped, inflammation-promoting messenger substances are increasingly released. This in turn has various devastating consequences for health. In addition to the arthrosis already mentioned, this leads to skin diseases and coat problems, for example. In general, the immune system is weakened and your dog suffers more frequently from infections. Overall, it can be said that the quality of life as well as the life expectancy of your four-legged friend is significantly reduced if he is too fat. So if you suspect that your dog is carrying too many kilos on his ribs, take him to the vet and discuss with him a healthy change of diet with a sports program.
