With our living standards continuously improving, we not only have no worries about food and clothing, but we can also indulge ourselves occasionally. Many dog parents are no longer satisfied with just increasing their own living standards; they shower their pets with love, first shown in their dogs' diet: overfeeding dog treats and lack of exercise. Gradually, dog obesity problems arise. Many owners do not realize that keeping dogs in good shape and mental state is also a secret to their longevity!

　　1. Causes of Dog Obesity

　　The causes of dog obesity are basically the same as those in humans—excessive feeding combined with lack of exercise. This is an obvious reason, but how many of us actually pay attention to our dogs' diet and exercise habits? If dogs consume too many calories but do not burn them off through exercise, obesity naturally follows. Excessive obesity puts huge pressure on dogs' hearts, joints, livers, and kidneys.

　　Some measures can help us avoid this problem. We must remember that the solution to obesity is early prevention—not being overly obese does not mean we can neglect prevention. We must understand the importance of nipping problems in the bud.

　　1. Exercise is the most effective method for dogs’ mental and physical health. People usually say dogs should exercise at least 30 minutes daily, but this depends on the breed. The more a dog exercises, the lower the chance of obesity. Normal exercise can burn the calories a dog consumes.

　　There is a saying: “A tired dog is a happy dog.” We can take them for walks, runs, or even swimming. This not only exercises them but also allows us to enjoy pleasant moments together.

　　2. Overfeeding is another cause of obesity. Have we ever weighed the dog food before feeding? If not, it means we are not clear about the proper amount and may have been feeding too much.

　　If we feed multiple dogs at once without managing their food amounts, we can feed them separately until they stop eating from others’ bowls, which helps determine their proper food intake. Of course, giving too many treats and always feeding leftover human food are also causes of excessive dog obesity.

　　3. Research what foods we feed our dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises that dog calorie intake is fully controlled by the owner. Choosing suitable dog food determines feeding amounts. This dog food must include necessary daily nutrients, and its ingredients are important.

　　4. If we often feed dogs treats, I suggest cutting them into small pieces and feeding several times a day. We can also replace treats with low-calorie foods or vegetables. Many people might not believe it, but dogs actually enjoy vegetables like broccoli, green beans, carrots, and peas. Always observe whether your dog likes vegetables.

　　5. Don’t be fooled by your dogs’ pitiful eyes. Many owners keep feeding their dogs because of their begging eyes, which causes overfeeding.

　　6. Consider factors like your dog’s age and breed. When dogs enter old age, their body systems decline. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Pugs are prone to obesity.

　　2. Harms of Dog Obesity

　　1. Heart Disease: Fat accumulates not only under the skin but also in the blood, which easily burdens the heart. A problem with the heart can lead to serious trouble.

　　2. Diabetes: For both humans and dogs, diabetes is a prolonged torment, and currently, we don’t have a 100% cure.

　　3. Arthritis: Excess weight causes extra strain on the body. In severe cases, dogs may even become paralyzed.

　　4. Intervertebral Disc Disease: A typical complication of obesity. Common in Pekingese, Dachshunds, and other long-waisted, short-legged dogs. Excessive pressure on the waist can cause hind limb disabilities.

　　5. Bone Fractures: Burden, burden—carrying all that fat makes falling much worse than for others.

　　6. Respiratory, Urinary, and Endocrine System Diseases: Obesity is a sub-health condition in which dogs are prone to various diseases.

　　Nowadays, many dogs are gaining weight. Many owners think that feeding high-calcium dog food and abundant treats is good for dogs, but that’s not true. Without balanced diet and proper exercise, dogs can become obese, causing a range of diseases. Therefore, owners should feed dogs correctly to ensure a healthy and happy life.