Dog obesity is a rapidly growing health problem. Obese dogs will suffer from breathing issues, diabetes, arthritis, and joint pain (1). This article discusses the importance of weight loss, and several ways of how to slim down an overweight dog.

How Excess Weight Affects Your Dog

A dog’s body is built to carry only a certain amount of weight and any extra places higher demands on both the organs and the skeletal system (9). One of the problems is that pet owners incorrectly assess their pets’ weight and body condition. More recent studies show that proper assessment can increase lifespan in dogs, and lead to better overall health.

  • Diabetes is one of the most prevalent conditions found in overweight dogs. The production of insulin is increased because there is a higher glucose level in the blood, and if the demand continues to increase over a long time, the pancreas (responsible for the production of insulin) fails to keep up and may eventually give out. The result is diabetes.
  • Increased blood pressure is common in overweight dogs, just as it is in overweight people. The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the extra tissue, which may eventually lead to heart failure.
  • Birthing issues are also not uncommon. An overweight bitch is much more likely to require veterinary assistance while birthing, with the high possibility of a C-section birth.
  • Digestive disorders including constipation and flatulence are not at all pleasant for dog or owner and are often a problem with overweight pets.
  • Breathing difficulties are likely to develop as the body struggles to inflate the diaphragm encumbered with extra fat. Obviously, the extra weight also puts more strain on the body, as the lungs have to supply oxygen – the result of breathing difficulties may be respiratory disease.
  • Damage to bones, joints and ligaments is also likely if the skeletal frame is subject to more load than that for which it is designed. Studies have shown that 25% of dogs that are overweight suffer from severe joint complications. Osteoarthritis is just one of such complications.