Behavioral Consequences Of An Overweight Dog
Besides the many health implications in dog obesity, there are a few behavioral consequences of being chronically obese; most of which are undesirable and dangerous. In any case, the extra pounds of fresh the obese dog carry can restrict movement, create stress and strain on all their body parts. Imagine having great difficulties or unable to perform simple tasks like nonstop brisk walking for 5 minutes, climbing up a 3-steps stair, standing on hind legs leading against the window pane waiting for you to return home, and wagging his tail vigorously. It’s a very sorrowful sight to see a lifeless dog.
Obese Dogs Are Unhappy Dogs
Destructive Behavior: Obesity doesn’t cause destructive behavior instead it will result in an unhappy dog. Unhappy dogs are likely to express their pent-up emotions through destructive behaviors such as chewing our belongings and ransack our garbage for more food.
Toileting Hazards: What goes in must come out. So naturally, obese dogs will produce more waste. Having to make frequent toilet trips can put a lot of strain on their joints. As a way of releasing frustration and anxiety, obese dogs tend to have more accidents around the house.
Compulsive and Aggressive Behaviors: Since eating is their primary source of activity, obese dogs are constantly guarding their food or anyone’s. Sometimes this behavior can turn very aggressive and may in turn hurting other human beings or animals.
Excessive Sleeping: With more food in the digestive tract, evidently it requires more energy to digest the food hence making these overweight dogs more lethargic and sleepy. Having the right amount of sleep helps to release stress and anxiety however too much of it can result in fewer calories burn a day. With less calories burnt more fats are stored therefore an increase probability of greater obesity.
Non-active and Anti-social Behavior: Since most of the time are spent eating and sleeping, there’s little motivation for obese dogs to want to do any other thing else let alone play and socialize. Even if the dog wants to play or just hang around in the dog park, his physical conditions may not allow him to do. Over time, he gradually withdrew himself from all forms of activities and socialization as a result he may become more destructive and antisocial.
Although dogs aren’t obsess of their overweight image like we do, but it does reflect how irresponsible we are as pet owners.
Series Posts on Dog Obesity:
- Dog Obesity: What Are The Health Risks?
- Behavioral Consequences Of An Overweight Dog
- What Causes Obesity In Dogs
- Dog Obesity Assessment
- Weight Lose Program For dogs
- Dog Obesity: Prevention and Maintenance Programs
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