Why is my dog overweight but doesn't eat much?
Ebba Harris
2025-07-30 11:16:58
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It’s as true for your pet as it is for you. And just as with people, many things can cause your pet to gain weight -- from eating too much to getting too little exercise to having a chronic illness. A dog’s calorie needs can be surprisingly small. Little dogs that aren’t very active need as few as 185 to 370 calories a day. Chronic conditions like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism can also cause weight gain in dogs. Genetics plays a part in your dog’s tendency to gain weight, too. Fluid buildup due to heart disease or liver disease can also trigger weight gain, as can tumors. Dogs that have been spayed or castrated are also more likely to be obese, probably because neutering affects energy expenditure and metabolism. Your vet can not only diagnose the cause of your dog’s weight gain, but also help you form a realistic, safe weight loss plan for your pet.
Presley Larson
2025-07-30 08:31:03
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So, remember, if your dog has gained weight, it’s likely they are eating too much or moving too little. Neutering Changes in sex hormones following neutering are thought to result in behaviour changes, these can include increased appetite and decreased physical activity which can lead to weight gain. Age Dogs between 6 to 9+ years have the highest risk of overweight status. This is often due to the natural slowing down that comes with ageing. With less exercise and reduced mobility, owners often don’t consider that they need to reduce the calories in their dog’s food to counteract this. Illness Medical conditions can cause weight gain in dogs, these include hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease.
Calorific requirements of dogs of the same weight can vary hugely, depending on if they are neutered, how old or how active they are. These should all be taken into consideration when working out how much to feed your four-legged friend. Overfeeding Those puppy dog eyes are often the culprit. By feeding treats on top of your dog’s daily calorie allowance, it’s very easy to tip your dog into that over-weight category without even realising.
Mazie Bernhard
2025-07-30 06:08:52
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There are some dogs who love food so much that they seem to be hungry all the time, but if they are already overweight then they’re not truly hungry. However, there are some dogs who are overweight but don’t eat a lot. In these cases, the two most common causes include: Secret meals: Your dog may be getting additional food from a secret source, such as children or other family members in the house, or even well-meaning neighbors. Underlying health issues: If your dog doesn’t seem to be overeating but is still gaining weight, it could be that their body is lacking a thyroid hormone which leads to low metabolism. If you suspect this is the case, it’s something that can be diagnosed by your veterinarian.
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