Signs Your Dogs Weight Might Be A Problem

obesity, weight - By Staff Writer on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 11:16

Some dogs carry weight better than others and what might be considered too fat for one breed could be just right for another.  When determining if your dog is fat you should go beyond just appearances and look for other indications that your dogs weight might be causing problems.

Sluggishness
Does your dog appear tired and sluggish.  Is he or she laying around and sleeping more than normal.  Have you noticed a distinct change in your dogs desire to play?  Extra weight might be the cause.  If your dog is carrying around too much extra weight they will become tired and sluggish.

Joint Pain
Have you noticed your dog limping more than normal or that it has difficulty getting up from a nap.  The pressure on the joints from extra weight could be causing aches and pains in your dog.  Obesity in dogs is directly linked to arthritisArthritis is an inflammation of the joints that is caused by abnormal stress on a normal joint or normal stress on an abnormal joint. It can be triggered by inherited illnesses, trauma or arise from over use of joints. Arthritis causes swelling of the joints, pain, difficulty moving the joints and even loss of movement over time. so if you find your dog appears in pain it might be his weight.

Diseases           
If your vet had diagnosed your dog with a weight related disease it is time to take action and get your dog fit.  Illnesses triggered by weight problems are serious and indicators that your dogs health is in jeopardy because of his weight. 

All three of these indicators should be taken seriously.  If your dog exhibits any of these speak to your vet about weight loss.  There are steps that can be taken to help your dog lose weight including medical assistance and special exercise for overweight dogs with joint issues and other illnesses.