3 Things You Need to Know About Dog Obesity

Is your doggie obese?

Sad, but true: Obesity can happen to anyone - even animals.

Also sad, but also true: Obesity in dogs has reached epidemic levels. Yikes!

We all want what's best for our furry companions, so let's take a look at how pet obesity is affecting our buddies and what we can do about it.

1. More dogs are overweight than we think. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 52.6% of dogs are obese. Of that group, 93% of their owners thought they were of normal weight. Herein lies a big problem. If owners don't realize their pets are packing on too many pounds, they won't know to do anything about it.

2. Animal obesity can lead to a host of health problems for our four-legged pals, including:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of cancer
• Increased blood pressure
• Digestive disorders
• Decreased liver functions
• Difficulty breathing
• Immune dysfunction
• Skin, hair and coat problems
• Decreased stamina
• Damage to joints, bones and ligaments (especially in large dogs)
• Decrease in quality and length of life

Sounds horrible, right? We certainly know the importance of good health and weight management to avoid these ailments in humans, so we must take precautions to head them off in animals, too.

3. No overweight animal is "too far gone" to be helped. It may take time and continuous effort, but it's important to understand that your pet did not gain excessive weight overnight ... and he won't lose it overnight, either.

Just like with people, a low-calorie, balanced diet and increased exercise will likely be the keys to success. Ask your vet for recommendations on food and physical activity. Keep a journal of what your pet eats and when, as well as his exercise, sleep and "bathroom" habits. Weigh him in regularly and log his progress. Stay consistent and don't let those puppy dog eyes sway you into giving him excess treats.

Nobody purposefully puts their pet in danger by allowing him to get obese, but it does happen and it can be reversed. Get educated, stay the course and your furry pal will be the picture of health and wellness in no time!

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