Dog Overweight - Overweight Dogs And The Health Problems It May Cause

The issue of overweight dogs is a big concern for many pet owners as they understand the health dangers that it can bring, but it is equally ignored by many others around the world and they are seriously affecting the happiness of their dog in later life.

An overweight dog is something many owners should be very aware of especially after the middle age of about 7 years of age (depending on dogs size). A dogs weight can seriously put your dogs health at risk and cut their life short as well as causing an unnecessary painful ending.

Dogs tend to be able to eat as much as we choose to feed them at times and feeding your dog till he/she is full is a bad idea at the best of times. A set amount should be given to your dog each day and some notification next to your dogs bowl might help the confusion of who's fed the dog and who hasn't.

As your dog becomes older, you will need to check their weight more often as their metabolism will slow down and overeating will become out of control and a problem for your dog. Obviously dogs come in different sizes and shapes so there is not set amount of food that has to be given to your particular breed of dog and a small amount of research or a trip to the vets will be needed to see how much your dog should eat.

Determine the weight of your dog is correct by checking that your dogs ribs can be easily felt with your hands with little pressure, and ensure they are not visibly noticeable. Your dogs hips should be easily felt and not surrounded by too much flesh and fat, and by looking down on your dog from above the body should curve inwards after the rib cage slightly.

If these requirements are all in place then your dog appears to be a healthy weight and this should be maintained throughout their life. Always ensure your dog has plenty of exercise and play time to maintain a healthy dog. If your dog becomes too thin then a vet should be contacted for advice and support as well as if your dog is very overweight, both can be equally destroying to your dogs health and come with their own dangers.

Note: dog diet preferences and advice leaflets or booklets will all be available from your vets and many pet stores and centers.