Most pet owners know that prolonged overfeeding results in obesity, which predisposes animals to a number of clinical conditions. However, the potentially damaging effects of overfeeding young, growing dogs, particularly of the larger breeds, are less well known. In this article we examine the problems associated with obesity and the complications which may arise from overfeeding during growth. A wide range of conditions tend to affect obese dogs and cats more than animals of normal body weight. Some of these are obvious, but owners often need reminding that obesity is a serious risk to the health and quality of life of their pets.
Orthopaedic problems are probably the most important pathological effect of obesity in dogs.
The abnormal stress imposed by excess weight on the major weight-bearing joints, especially the stifles and elbows, is an important factor in the aetiology of canine osteoarthritis. 8 Respiratory difficulties may occur in obese dogs. This may be due to narrowing of the airway by fatty deposits in the tissues surrounding the larynx and pharynx. Diabetes mellitus and obesity and have been closely linked in humans, dogs and cats. Surgical risk, both on a physiological and technical level, is increased in obese animals.