Obesity is a real health hazard for dogs. Even small deviations from the norm are fraught with serious consequences if weight gain is not stopped in time. First of all, in the risk zone of the breed, the anatomical features of which do not allow you to lose weight due to physical activity. Other natural factors also pose a certain threat. For example, a genetic predisposition to be overweight.
Here are 8 dog breeds that are most prone to obesity
Excess weight is a global problem not only for humans, but also for some pets. Most often, dogs suffer from obesity, which negatively affects their health. And some breeds are more prone to this than others.
Pug
These short-legged dogs do not feel complete satiety, and therefore constantly want to eat. Often, compassionate household members feed them with leftovers from their table, which is absolutely impossible to do.
Obesity in Basset Hounds will lead to problems with the musculoskeletal system, which is associated with the special structure of their skeleton. To avoid the problem of excess weight in these pets, the owners need to feed the pets exclusively with dog food. And not to allow them to be given human food.
Dachshund
Representatives of this hunting breed are gaining extra pounds due to a sedentary lifestyle and overfeeding. Dachshunds must be in constant motion in order to get rid of excess calories in time.
Otherwise, they will have problems with the spine, in particular, with the intervertebral discs. Dachshunds must eat strictly on a snacks-free schedule. It is best to teach them to eat dog food, so as not to make them want to eat food from the master’s table.
Labrador Retriever
Excess weight in this breed does not always appear due to uncontrolled appetite or lack of physical activity. Sometimes Labradors are overweight due to thyroid disorders. In this case, hypothyroidism provokes a slowdown in canine metabolism and contributes to an increase in adipose tissue.
Obesity negatively affects the activity and health of Labradors, which leads to the occurrence of various cardiovascular diseases in them. To avoid these problems, you need to feed the dog only twice a day, as well as take walks with it every day for 1.5-2 hours.
English bulldog
The unlimited appetite in these dogs is mainly related to the characteristics of the breed. Also, the cause of obesity in bulldogs can be stress, castration or sterilization, hormonal disorders and a sedentary lifestyle.
Excess weight can provoke a host of health problems for these dogs, from diabetes to a weakened immune system. To avoid these troubles, owners of English Bulldogs should first of all focus on the pet menu, excluding sweet, flour and fatty ones from it.
In addition, with such pets you need to regularly walk and play outdoor games.
Boxer
The main cause of obesity in these dogs is genetic predisposition. Boxers are constantly begging for food, which leads to a violation of their diet. For this reason, adults need to be fed twice a day, but for puppies and pregnant pets, the number of feedings can be increased to 4-6.
Being overweight has a negative impact on boxers’ health, causing bloating, intestinal obstruction, and some heart disease. You can prevent the problem of excess weight with regular exercise and systematic monitoring by your veterinarian.
Rottweiler
Overfeeding and the predominance of fatty and carbohydrate foods in the diet sooner or later lead to obesity in these dogs. With age, Rottweilers find it more difficult to exercise high physical activity, so they simply cannot get rid of extra pounds on their own.
In addition, this breed is prone to hormonal disruptions, which is primarily associated with neutering or neutering of pets. If you do not adjust the Rottweiler’s menu in time and do not pay due attention to their health, then you can involuntarily reduce the length of the dog’s life.
Beagle
Despite the activity of this breed, Beagles are often overweight. First of all, this is due to their metabolism, which is somewhat slowed down by nature.
Such dogs need frequent and long walks, since they were originally bred to hunt small animals. If you ignore active games and do not let the beagles waste their energy, then sooner or later they will begin to gain excess weight.
This, in turn, will provoke a number of diseases that will inevitably take away several years of the dog’s life.
Tips to Prevent Obesity in Dogs
Preventing obesity in dogs is crucial to their health and well-being. Here are a few tips:
- Balanced diet: give your dog a balanced diet with appropriate portions. Avoid overeating and limit treats.
- Regular exercise: Make sure your dog gets daily exercise through walks, playtime, and activities that keep him active.
- Healthy Treats: Opt for low-calorie treats and avoid giving human food.
- Regular Checkups: Regular visits to the veterinarian can help monitor your dog’s weight and overall health.
- Avoid free feeding: Stick to scheduled feeding times instead of leaving food out all day.
By following these tips, you can help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
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