Eye on Your Dog’s Health - Obesity
Like people, healthy dogs become overweight or obese when there is an imbalance between the amount of calories consumed and the calories burned. Logic would lead us to conclude, then, that an overweight dog is likely receiving either too many calories, too little exercise or a combination of the two. Be aware that certain health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems can be underlying causes of obesity in dogs, making it important that you seek appropriate testing and veterinary care if there are signs that your dog is overweight, or if sudden changes in his weight occur.