There\u2019s no doubt that the recent pandemic has hit everyone hard. And our dogs have been there going through the challenges of adapting to a pandemic lifestyle with us. Whether it\u2019s with switching to remote working or the stressful toll of staying safe at home. Both humans and dogs have had a difficult year keeping good habits alive.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, our dogs may have fallen accustomed to being lazy and overeating out of boredom. So has your dog been facing the pressures of the pandemic and changing lifestyles? Did they gain weight during the pandemic and lockdown? The short answer is probably! Professionals say that the pandemic has impacted the way pets eat and about \u2153 of pet owners have reported their animals becoming obese during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Dogs who weigh more than 20% of their projected body weight, for their breed and circumstances, are considered obese. Obesity is also the most common disease that can be prevented in North American dogs.<\/p>\n
Obesity can be an extremely concerning disease for dogs. It can cause the development of other diseases related to obesity, like arthritis, and shorten a dog\u2019s life expectancy from 6 months to 2 years. Fat being stored by a dog\u2019s body releases inflammatory hormones and creates stress on body tissue, which can lead to a number of diseases. Dogs who are obese can be at an increased risk for developing:<\/p>\n
If you have noticed your dog\u2019s eating habits changing and them gaining noticeable weight, there is an issue that needs to be addressed. To start a plan, consult your veterinarian<\/a> about what an appropriate weight is, how to start your dog\u2019s diet, and an exercise program to ease into getting more active. They will likely check for any medical reasoning for weight gain, like hypothyroidism. If the obesity is not from a medical diagnosis, then they will help you set up a plan to begin weight reduction!<\/p>\n