While there are medical conditions that can increase the likelihood that your canine will gain weight, most problems related to obesity are caused by owners. Dogs are similar to people. If they intake more calories than they burn on a regular basis, they will put on extra pounds. Unfortunately, excess weight can put stress on the joints while exacerbating existing health conditions.

Below, we'll take a look at the most common factors that play a role in canine obesity. We'll explore how the availability of food, lack of sufficient exercise, genetic predisposition, and a thyroid problem can each contribute to your pooch's expanding body.

Too Much Food

Every dog is different. Some will eat as much food as is placed in front of them and then start looking for more. Others will eat throughout the day, coming back to their bowl only when they're hungry. Some will only eat certain types of foods while others will consume practically anything.

The problem is that many owners fail to tailor their pooch's meal plan to accommodate their tendencies. For example, a lot of people will follow a "free choice" plan where they make food available to their canines at all times. For many pets, this is a recipe for obesity; they will eat as much as possible.

Another common problem is that owners often prepare meals that are far too big. Even if the food is not always available, meals that are larger than necessary can contribute to your pooch's weight gain. This is especially true if he leads a sedentary lifestyle.

Lack Of Exercise

The more active your dog is on a daily basis, the more calories he'll burn. The more calories he burns, the more food he can eat without gaining weight. Plus, canines that enjoy daily exercise are less likely to become bored or stressed during the day. Both mental states encourage excess eating.

It's In The Genes

Some breeds are predisposed to weight gain. For example, owners of Beagles and Cocker Spaniels often find that their pooches put on extra pounds more easily than similarly-sized dogs from other breeds. This is not to suggest that owners of these breeds (along with Labrador Retrievers and Collies) should relent and allow their canines to gain weight. On the contrary, they should take extra precautions to help keep the pounds off.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your pooch's thyroid produces fewer thyroid hormones. This hormone plays a role in regulating your dog's metabolism; a decline in its production can lower his metabolic rate. As a result, he'll need less nourishment to maintain his energy. In some cases, pets become obese when they develop hypothyroidism and continue eating the same amount of food each day.

Canine obesity becomes more problematic as your pooch ages. It's more difficult to shed the excess pounds and the extra weight will take a greater toll on his body. If you suspect your dog is obese, ask your veterinarian to recommend a weight reduction diet that provides for his nutritional and energy needs.