Obesity is a major nutritional disease in animals. Excess weight in dogs leads to arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, diseases of loams and reduction life expectancy.
Dog obesity risk factors
As you know, aging or sterilization increases the risk of obesity in pets. With age, the level of activity of animals decreases and without adjusting feed portions old animals easily gain weight. Sterilization reduces the daily calorie intake by 10-20 percent.
The socio-economic status of the owner also affects risk obesity. Dogs of wealthy owners are more spoiled and more often gaining excess weight.
The likelihood of obesity also depends on your dog’s breed. Overweight with Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Newfoundland is the norm rather than the exception. Cocker Spaniels and Pugs have the same tendency. On the other hand, boxers, whippets and setters easily maintain ideal weight.
As a result of the study, it was found that some dog breeds have a thrift gene that promotes fat deposition. Some breeds of dogs have been bred for long work in adverse environment, and such “thrift” increased their effectiveness. But in an urban setting, without proper nutrition control and regular exercise, such dogs will gain weight.
