Obesity is a clinical condition that also affects animals in general. In particular, some dog breeds are at risk of obesity. This condition has a number of negative consequences on the animal, which can be eliminated or prevented through diet and constant exercise.
Obesity occurs when body weight exceeds the ideal weight by 40%. Animals are also subject to obesity, as they assimilate more calories than the body demands.
Obesity in animals is obviously not just an aesthetic problem, but a clinical condition that implies important negative consequences on health: such as aversion to physical activity, greater wear and stress for the joints with the risk of osteoarthritis, which induces animal to move even less, with further fattening, and finally a shorter lifespan, caused by numerous medical problems.
The latter consist of decreased immune system efficiency, hormonal imbalances, mammary tumors, infertility, dystocia, skin problems, urinary problems, diabetes, constipation and liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) in cats.
Furthermore, obesity involves an increased risk during general anesthesia and surgery and the greater thermal insulation caused by the fat, determines an increase in body temperature during the hot season.
Some dog breeds are particularly predisposed to obesity, such as Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and Shetland Sheepdogs. Dogs living in apartments are also at risk, as spaces for physical activity are obviously limited.
Exercise and diet are the solutions to maintaining physical fitness or reducing weight.
Obese animals must begin physical exercises slowly and gradually, as the joints and cardiovascular system are compromised. Obese animals should be examined by the veterinarian before starting the exercise period, in order to determine the type of physical activity they can withstand.
Walking, running and playing are the most common forms of exercise, but swimming is considered excellent exercise for obese dogs because the water prevents the animal's temperature from rising too much and the joints are not strained.
As for the diet, it must be very balanced. There are specific foods on the market for obese animals, which contain a higher percentage of fiber than maintenance foods. The choice of these foods involves a non-reduction in the quantity of food offered, because their caloric density is lower.
Many vets agree that it is not necessary to cut back on food to achieve weight loss, as this can lead to energy shortages and health problems.
In fact, the reduction in the amount of food slows down the metabolism, as the body tries to save fat, so there is no weight loss, unless the metabolism is stimulated and increased with exercise. The diets are precisely designed to provide the animal with a proportionate amount of proteins, minerals and vitamins, as they contain l-carnitine, a substance useful for weight loss, and a greater quantity of high quality proteins, which help the maintenance of muscle mass, and greater amounts of minerals and vitamins to balance calorie restrictions.
In addition to the products, constant physical exercise will certainly help the owner and the dog to maintain a good physical shape. Long walks, light runs and lots of play ensure results in terms of weight and mood of the animal. Given the beautiful spring days, this is the best time to get in shape.