Canine Obesity

Have you noticed your canine buddy getting rounder lately? Is Fido starting to look, well, chubby? If so, your pup is certainly in good company. In fact, well over half of our furry friends are overweight or obese! Read on as a Carteret County, NC vet discusses doggy obesity.

Being overweight is just as bad for pets as it is for people. Those extra pounds can increase Fido’s chances of getting some very serious health conditions, such as heart disease, respiratory issues, diabetes, liver trouble, and even certain types of cancer. Obesity will also put extra stress on your furry buddy’s bones and joints, increasing his risks of developing arthritis and/or hip dysplasia.

It probably won’t be much of a surprise to realize that your pet’s diet plays a huge role in his weight. Offer your furry companion good, nourishing food, but don’t go overboard with fatty treats. We can’t really talk about doggy nutrition without addressing begging. Man’s Best Friend is very, very good at convincing us to share yummy snacks. It may be hard to resist Fido’s adorable soulful stare, but if your four-legged buddy is getting pudgy, you really aren’t doing him any favors by handing over that bacon strip. Plus, begging is bad petiquette! Choose safe, suitable snacks, such as a carrot stick or a single piece of plain, cooked, boneless turkey. Ask your vet for more information.

Making sure that your canine pal stays active is very important. Your furry pal’s workout needs will depend on his age, breed, weight, and health. For instance, if you have a small lapdog, a short walk may be all the activity your little buddy needs. A bigger, more energetic dog, on the other hand, may require quite a bit of exercise and playtime daily. Be sure to ask your vet for specific advice.

If you have a pudgy pooch on your hands, talk to your vet before making any changes to Fido’s menu. Never put your four-legged buddy on a crash diet. This can wreak havoc on your canine companion’s metabolism! Just like people, dogs need to lose weight slowly to drop pounds safely.

Please contact us, your local Carteret County, NC animal hospital, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are happy to serve all of your dog’s veterinary care needs.