| When we think of dogs we tend to think of | | | | children, the odd treat is fine, but regular |
| agile creatures that love to exercise and | | | | treats coupled with large portions of food |
| play, have speed and power, and are sleek or | | | | can quickly lead to excess weight. |
| cuddly. However, just like humans and other | | | | |
| animals, dogs are creatures that can be prone | | | | Another factor that can affect your dog's |
| to weight problems, some breeds far more than | | | | weight is of course the level of exercise |
| others. | | | | that he receives. Believe it or not, there |
| | | | are some dogs that actually have to be |
| Most dogs love their food and treats, and | | | | persuaded to go for their walks. In some |
| although most love to exercise and play there | | | | cases, other health problems such as |
| are also those that are quite happy to toast | | | | undiagnosed thyroid problems can affect your |
| their paws in front of the fire and play the | | | | dog's weight and cause your dog to get fat. |
| "couch potato" whenever given the chance. | | | | |
| And, of course, the combination of lack of | | | | If you have a dog that is happy never to step |
| exercise and over-feeding can lead to a very | | | | out of the house, you shouldn't just shrug |
| fat little dog. | | | | and thank your lucky stars that you don't |
| | | | have the extra duty of having to take him out |
| Avoiding obesity in your dog | | | | each day. Instead, you need to make a |
| | | | concerted effort to ensure that he does get |
| Some dogs can be far more susceptible than | | | | regular exercise, no matter how gentle. If |
| others to weight gain, and for dogs this can | | | | your dog is very overweight you should get |
| result in a range of associated health | | | | advice from your vet to find out why he has |
| problems. Weight gain can not only make your | | | | gained weight, and how you can get the |
| dog miserable, but reduce his quality of | | | | situation under control. |
| life, and even reduce his lifespan. | | | | |
| | | | A number of health problems can affect fat |
| This is why it is important for responsible | | | | dogs, which is why it is important to keep |
| owners to monitor and maintain a healthy | | | | your dog's weight under control. Some of the |
| weight for their dogs, and in the event of | | | | weight related health problems that can |
| weight gain to take action in order to try | | | | affect your pet include heart, lung, liver, |
| and get their weight back on track. | | | | kidney, and joint problems, amongst others. |
| | | | Some of the breeds that are prone to weight |
| We all love to give our dogs treats to show | | | | gain because of genetics include Dachshunds, |
| them how much we care, but often this is | | | | Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, and |
| doing more damage than good. Just like with | | | | Beagles. |