What are some of the major health problems associated with obesity in dogs?
“Insurance companies have been tracking statistics on the impact of being overweight on human health for years, as part of their business. Regrettably, we have no firm data on the overweight dog and the problems it experiences. Discussions with other veterinarians, however, confirm the problems associated with obesity are widespread,” Burrows says. “We see additional stress on the dog’s skeleton, muscles and ligaments. This is a terrible problem for dogs, especially older ones, with arthritis and/or hip dysplasia We know, too, from recent research findings that dogs fed high levels of fat have a tendency to develop breast cancer as they age. As with humans, canine obesity is also associated with such conditions as impaired breathing functions, digestive disturbances, increased surgical risks, impaired liver functions, heat intolerances, and possibly skin problems.” Sokolowski agrees. “Overweight dogs have a far greater potential for medical problems such as high blood pressure, increas
