What is the main cause of obesity in dogs?
Brant Windler
2025-07-30 11:15:25
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: 14
The most obvious cause of obesity in dogs is overfeeding, which can include the dog’s regular wet or dry food, treats designed for dogs, and “table scraps” or human foods. Inadequate exercise can also lead to your dog becoming overweight. There are some medical conditions that cause obesity, including hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing’s disease. Showing love by showering your dog with treats may actually result in a shortened lifespan and decreased quality of life if the excess calories result in obesity. Certain dog breeds can be predisposed to obesity, including Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Beagle, Boxer, and Pug.
Catalina O'Hara
2025-07-30 10:57:27
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: 12
It's mainly caused by eating too much or not exercising enough, although some diseases can also cause obesity. Several factors can make obesity more likely in your pet. For example, in dogs: Breed - certain breeds have a higher risk. Age - the risk increases with age. Neuter status - neutered dogs are more at risk. Sex - apart from older dogs, obesity is reported to be more common in females. Obese owner - may lead to having an obese dog as it may be exercised less, or less able to recognise obesity. To help prevent obesity in your pet, make sure they maintain a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise.
Trisha Swift
2025-07-30 09:35:20
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The most common causes of obesity in an otherwise healthy dog are feeding patterns such as offering high-fat and low-fiber diets, free-choice feeding instead of portioned feedings, excessive treats or table scraps, and sedentary lifestyles. However, many factors can contribute to obesity, and medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, genetics, or certain medications can also play a role. Obesity affects nearly every major organ and body system and often leads to shorter lifespans. The most common risk of obesity in dogs is worsening arthritis because the extra weight increases the stress on dogs’ bones, joints, and muscles. However, obesity can contribute to the development of arthritis because when there is an excessive amount of fat cells present in the body, they release pro-inflammatory mediators, which can contribute to the development of arthritis by perpetuating the inflammation process over time. Obesity also puts dogs at a higher risk of complications should they need to go under anesthesia because of the added weight on their lungs and respiratory system. Table scraps, excessive treats or treats high in calories often sabotage diets.
Hollis Hamill
2025-07-30 07:36:53
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: 14
The article does not specifically state the main cause of obesity in dogs.
None
Catharine Lemke
2025-07-30 06:26:54
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: 10
Obesity in dogs is not directly stated as being caused by a specific factor in the article. However, it can be inferred that overconsumption of calories may play a role, as treatment focuses on decreasing caloric intake. A decrease in caloric intake and increase in exercise is the healthy way to produce weight loss. Eliminating table scraps and treats is important. Feeding green beans and other vegetables is a good alternative to treats.
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