10/13/2024
Also applies to beagles. Allowing your beagles to be overweight is killing them.
Is your dachshund overweight?
Overweight dogs are becoming an increasingly common concern. Dogs with excess weight can develop serious health issues.
According to recent studies and surveys, over 41% of dogs in Australia are overweight or obese. This can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, urinary issues, joint issues, a reduced lifespan and in dachshunds, the risk of IVDD (inter vertebral disc disease)
What are the common causes of an overweight dog?
Overfeeding: Serving too much food or not accounting for high-calorie treats can lead to weight gain. Many pet parents unknowingly overestimate their dog's nutritional needs.
Lack of Exercise: Dogs require regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain.
Age: As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, necessitating fewer calories. Senior dogs may require dietary adjustments to prevent weight gain.
The impact of excess weight on a dog's health can be profound. Some of the most common health risks include:
Joint Problems: Excess weight puts additional strain on joints, leading to conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and IVDD
Heat and/or exercise intolerance: Carrying excess weight makes exercise, such as going on walks, more difficult for overweight dogs. They are also less able to cool themselves down, making them more prone to heat stress on warmer days.
Urinary stones: Overweight dogs are twice as likely to form bladder stones, and are more prone to issues with their urinary tract such as infections.
Heart Disease: Being overweight increases the risk of heart problems, including heart disease and congestive heart failure.
Reduced Lifespan: Studies have shown that overweight dogs have shorter lifespans compared to their healthy-weight counterparts.
Decreased Quality of Life: Excess weight can lead to decreased mobility, making it challenging for dogs to enjoy their daily activities, such as playing or going for walks.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight?
Recognising whether your dog is overweight is crucial for taking proactive steps toward better health. Here are some simple ways to assess your dog's weight.
Visual Assessment: Look at your dog from above. A healthy dog should have a visible waist, with the body tapering in towards the abdomen. If your dog appears to have a straight line from their ribs to their hips without any indentation, they may be overweight.
Feel the Ribs: Place your hands on your dog's ribcage. You should be able to feel their ribs without excessive pressure. If you cannot feel the ribs easily or they are covered by a thick layer of fat, your dog may be overweight.
Check for Abdominal Tuck: When looking at your dog from the side, they should have an upward tuck of the abdomen. If their belly appears to sag or is rounded, it could indicate excess weight.
If you think your dachshund is overweight then please start an exercise and reduced feeding regime asap. It is our responsibility to ensure our dogs are living their best lives which means health is the first priority.