"Excess fat negatively impacts a dog's health and longevity." Obese dogs develop an increased risk for: many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. osteoarthritis and a faster degeneration of affected joints.
Can overweight dogs live long?
New research with data provided by Banfield Pet Hospital found that the lifespan of overweight dogs was up to 2 1/2 years shorter, on average, than the lifespan of dogs with a healthy body weight.
Can dogs be naturally overweight?
Some dogs naturally come with this particular head-to-body ratio, but for others, it's often man-made. Yes. Some dogs are overweight. Peter Sandøe, professor of bioethics at the University of Copenhagen, estimates that about one third of companion dogs in developed countries are overweight.
What can you do if your dog is overweight?
If you suspect that your pooch is overweight, the very first thing you should do is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Carrying extra weight can be a sign of an underlying health issue, and can also be a contributing factor to many health issues in dogs.
How long does it take for a dog to lose weight?
For most dogs, it can take six to eight months to reach their weight loss goals, but the answer depends on the factors discussed. Ideally, they should be losing 1-2% of their body weight per week. While this article is vet-written, this advice is general in nature and should not be considered specific to your pet.
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