First, they are bred to be companions and love to eat.
Second, they have a slow metabolism, which means they burn calories more slowly than other dogs.
Golden Retrievers are large dogs that tend to weigh between 30 and 40 pounds (14-18 kilograms) at maturity.
They typically stand between 26 and 32 inches (66 and 81 centimeters) tall at the shoulder.
Golden Retrievers usually weigh between 30 and 50 percent more than their size would suggest because they are so lean and muscular.
The Causes of Obesity in Golden Retrievers
If you think your Golden Retriever is overweight, there may be several possible causes that could contribute to this condition.
They are fed too much food
This can lead to obesity because the dog eats so much that it has difficulty moving around or keeping warm.
It also puts on fat at an alarming rate.
They do not get enough exercise
They are bred to be companion animals and are often kept inside all day long.
They don’t even need to go outside for a walk if they don’t want to!
They are not given adequate amounts of water each day
Water helps them in two ways – it keeps their body temperature down and it makes sure they keep producing saliva (which is full of enzymes) so they can digest their food properly.
They are allowed to drink from the toilet bowl
The amount of water they drink will depend on how old they are.
As they age, they tend to drink less water since they become less active.
Also, some breeds are known to drink more water than others.
They are not given adequate amounts of playtime
Many people think that playing with their dog all the time will make him healthy.
However, the opposite is true.
When they are tired, they will play less and when they are bored, they will stop eating. Inactivity leads to overeating.
Their diet contains too many high-fat foods
These include fatty meats such as hamburger, bacon, and sausage.
Also, the type of fats found in commercial dog treats are high in saturated fats.
Saturated fats cause cholesterol levels to rise in the blood stream.
Overweight dogs may develop high cholesterol levels and heart disease.
They are fed table scraps
These are foods that are usually reserved for humans.
Too much food will cause them to put on weight faster than normal.
The Consequences of Obesity in Golden Retrievers
If you think your golden retriever is obese, there are several consequences that can occur as a result.
The most common ones are heart disease and diabetes.
Heart Disease
The most dangerous consequence of obesity is the risk of heart disease.
In general, people who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing heart disease than those who are not.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-third of American adults are considered obese.
This includes 20 percent of men and 32 percent of women.
These figures include both children and adults.
The CDC also reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S.
adults.
As a result, it’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and health so you can identify any changes in his behavior or physical appearance that may indicate he has developed this condition.
Fortunately, heart disease is treatable.
It can be prevented by following a healthy diet and exercising daily.
However, if you notice any change in your dog’s demeanor or physical appearance, it is best to consult with a veterinarian right away.
Diabetes
Another serious condition that can develop from being overweight is diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood glucose levels become high because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t use the insulin properly.
People with diabetes must closely monitor their blood sugar level and take medication to keep it under control.
They may also need to modify their diet and exercise habits.
According to the World Health Organization, roughly 285 million people worldwide have diabetes.
Of these, 80 percent live in low-and middle-income countries.
For people with diabetes, obesity is an additional risk factor that increases their chances of having complications such as kidney failure, amputation, stroke, blindness, and nerve damage.
Fortunately, this condition can be treated.
Diabetics should keep track of their blood sugar levels and make lifestyle modifications including eating healthier foods and getting regular exercise.
With proper care, many diabetics can avoid complications.
How to Know if Your Golden Retriever Is obese
To determine whether or not your dog is overweight, measure his height and weight.
The easiest way to do this is with a tape measure.
Use the same tape measure every time you weigh him and record the measurements on your dog’s health chart (or wherever you keep it).
If you notice that your dog is gaining weight over five pounds per year, he could be obese.
You can also use the “body condition score” method to determine if your dog is overweight.
This involves examining his body from head to tail, looking at his ribs, hips, and legs.
His belly should look rounder than his back and chest.
You can also ask your vet about how much your dog weighs and what his body mass index is.
A healthy dog has a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
The ideal weight for a golden retriever is between 15 and 20 pounds.
How to Prevent Obesity in Golden Retrievers
If you think your dog is overweight, there are some things you can do to help him lose the pounds.
You should first take a look at his diet.
Some dogs may be naturally inclined to overeat, but many others will need to watch what they feed themselves.
Make sure you give them plenty of healthy treats and that their food is low in fat.
Next, make sure you are giving your dog sufficient exercise.
Dogs who aren’t getting any physical activity are much more likely to become overweight.
This is especially true of large breeds like Golden Retrievers, because they require so much energy to keep up with their size.
Finally, it is important to remember that obesity cannot be cured by simply feeding your dog less.
Instead, you should focus on improving your dog’s overall health.
For example, if he has heart disease or diabetes, you should work to treat those conditions.
Treating Obesity in Golden Retrievers
If you think your Golden is overweight, it’s important to talk with your veterinarian about what diet may help him or her lose weight.
Your vet will check the dog’s vital signs (temperature, pulse, and respiration) as well as his or her body condition score.
The body condition score is determined by measuring how much fat and muscle there is on your dog’s frame.
You can find this score at most pet stores or online through websites like Petfinder.com.
A healthy dog should usually have a BCS of 4-7, but if your dog is overweight, he or she will likely need to see a vet to discuss appropriate treatment options.
There are several different diets that your vet can prescribe to help your dog lose weight.
However, if you do not want to use commercial dog food, there are also many homemade foods available for sale.
These include dry kibble, frozen raw meat, canned food, and even freeze-dried food.
Dry Food
Many owners choose dry kibbles as their primary source of nutrition because they are easy to administer and digest.
Dry kibbles come in both large and small sizes so that they are easily divided into meal portions.
Most people prefer these kibbles to wet food because they are easier to prepare, and they offer a higher nutritional value.
However, some owners find them too bland and prefer to supplement dry kibble with freeze-dried food or canned food.
Freeze-dried food comes in pouches and cans that contain all of the nutrients necessary for good health.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
