Obesity is an excess of body fat that impairs health or normal function. Obesity is caused by eating more energy than is expended through exercise. The dog’s activity levels slow as they age, and metabolic changes may also occur which cause obesity. The tendency to become overweight can also be inherited; certain breeds or lines of dogs seem to be more prone to obesity than others.
While obesity can occur in dogs of all ages, the condition is most commonly seen in middle-aged dogs between the ages of 5 and 10. Neutered and indoor dogs also tend to have a higher risk of becoming obese. For most overweight dogs, the real problem is a combination of free-feeding, boredom, and not enough playtime.
Symptoms of obesity:
- Weight gain
- Excess body fat
- Inability (or unwillingness) to exercise
- High body condition score
Canine obesity does cause the increase of risk for several health problems. Including:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Skin Problems
- Heart Disease
- Reduced life
A great technique in evaluating your dogs body condition is by looking at their profile and feeling their body. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs, but not see them. While healthy, permanent weight loss in humans is hard to accomplish, it is much easier with dogs. As long as the human manages not to overfeed and under-exercise the dog, weight-loss plans for canines will be successful.
Exercise is important and whether it is a long walk, a game of fetch or a tug-of-war, your dog probably has an activity that they love. Now’s the time to encourage him to get more of that exercise every day. To help in pain management for your dog the Benefab® Canine Comfort Shirt fabric emits far-infrared rays, keeping muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments supple and relaxed. The shirt provides supportive compression for anxiety and comfort. It helps harmonize bodily functions safely and naturally stimulating recovery time, promoting blood circulation, increasing oxygen flow, and ultimately reducing pain and stiffness. Material is also breathable with wicking qualities. Keep your dog comfortable and on the right track with our line of canine therapeutic products.
