What’s Causing Your Basset Hound’s Obesity?

With over 25% of dogs in America being overweight, there is a good chance that your Basset Hound could struggle with a weight problem as some point during his life. Basset Hounds are also susceptible to obesity due to their lack of motivation for physical activity when kept inside the home.

The factors that cause dogs to gain weight are much like those that cause humans to gain weight: an intake of more food than is needed and lack of physical activity. Your dog does not have to eat constantly or eat large amounts to gain weight. Just a small amount of excess calories each day could slowly lead to obesity over the course of time.

One of the biggest contributors to Basset Hound obesity is feeding human food or table scraps to your dog. Even if this is offered in small nibbles, the extra calories could lead to a great deal of weight gain, especially if your dog is fairly inactive. And what makes things worse is that as your Basset Hound puts on weight, he will become less and less active. This makes it even harder to get the weight off of you beloved canine companion. For these reasons, veterinarians recommend that you never feed human food to your Basset Hound unless it is a special diet supervised by your veterinarian.

Many owners employ the free-choice feeding method with their dogs. This method involves leaving your dog’s food bowl full of feed and within reach of your dog at all times. Most dogs will do well with this type of feeding and only eat when they are feeling hungry. But, like humans, some dogs tend to eat out of boredom or loneliness. Boredom also leads to less activity and more naps all of which tip the scales for your Basset Hound.

To remedy boredom eating, veterinarians recommend that you have a set feeding schedule and only feed your Basset Hound the recommended amount of feed as listed on the back of the bag, box or can. Having a schedule also helps keep your dog’s appetite and bowel movements predictable. You should also engage in regular exercise with your Basset Hound and make sure that he has plenty of toys to keep him busy and active.

In some cases, medical conditions are responsible for your dog’s weight gain. Hypothyroidism is the most prevalent disease that leads to obesity in dogs followed by Cushing’s disease. An increase of fluids in the abdominal cavity and around the heart as related to heart failure can also make your dog look like he is gaining weight. So, be sure to make an appointment with your vet at the first signs of unexplained weight gain.

Helping your dog loose weight can be as simple as changing his dog feed and taking him for more walks. A good quality low-calorie feed will be enjoyed as much by your Basset Hound as the feed that he is eating now. And what dog wouldn’t love to spend more time frolicking with his owner?