If you’re the proud owner of a new, overweight Malamute puppy, you’re probably wondering how to keep that little ball of fluff from ballooning up into a behemoth.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to manage your pup’s weight and help them stay healthy and happy for years to come. So read on and learn everything you need to know about managing a fat Malamute puppy!
How to Confirm your Malamute Puppy is Fat?
The best way to tell if your Malamute puppy is overweight is to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to give you an accurate idea of whether or not your pup is at a healthy weight. However, there are other simple ways to check yourself.
Check their Ribs
One way to tell if your Malamute puppy is too heavy is by checking their ribs. Their ribs are located just behind their front legs and should be easily visible and felt.
You should be able to feel their ribs without too much effort. If you can’t, this may be a sign that they are carrying around too much weight.
Look for a Waist – Another way to tell if your Malamute puppy is too heavy is by looking for a waist.
“When you look at your pup from above, you should be able to see a slight indentation between their ribs and hips. If you don’t see this indentation, it may be a sign that they are carrying around too much weight”.
Check their Breathing
If your Malamute puppy is overweight, you may also notice that they are having difficulty breathing. This is because carrying around extra weight puts strain on their respiratory system.
Another reason is that dogs with short snouts, like Malamutes, are more prone to respiratory problems. If you notice your pup is having difficulty breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
If you notice your pup is panting more than usual or having trouble catching its breath, it’s time to take action rather than ignoring the issue.
Monitor their Energy Levels
Another way to tell if your Malamute puppy is too heavy is by monitoring their energy levels. If you notice that your pup is less active than usual or seems tired all the time, it may be a sign that they are carrying around too much weight.
This energetic breed usually has no problem running around and playing all day, so a sudden decrease in energy levels can be a cause for concern.
This is because being overweight can lead to fatigue and decreased stamina.
Monitor Snoring Levels
If your Malamute puppy is overweight, you may also notice that they snore more than usual. This is because carrying around extra weight can cause the soft tissue in their throat to vibrate, leading to snoring.
This is more common in dogs with short snouts, like Malamutes. If you notice your pup is snoring more than usual, it’s important to seek medical advice to determine the exact cause of the problem.
“Additionally, take a look at your pup from the side and from above. If their belly sags down low or their chest appears broader than their hips, they may be overweight”.
Health Problems with a Fat Malamute Puppy
Being overweight can lead to a number of health problems in a Malamute Puppy, including:
Cancer
Carrying around extra weight puts your dog at an increased risk of developing cancer. This is because fat cells produce hormones that can promote the growth of cancerous tumors.
These cancer tumors can grow in any part of the body, but they are most commonly found in the digestive system, mammary glands, and reproductive organs. It can be managed and cured with surgery and chemotherapy.
Arthritis
Extra weight can also lead to arthritis. This is because the extra weight puts strain on the joints, which can damage the cartilage and cause inflammation.
Arthritis is a painful condition that can make it difficult for your dog to move around. If your dog is diagnosed with Arthritis, it can be treated or managed with medication, but it is not curable.
Diabetes
Extra weight can also lead to diabetes. This is because the extra fat cells produce hormones that can interfere with the body’s ability to process insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health problems, including blindness, kidney disease, and even death.
“If your Malamute puppy is overweight, it’s important to take action to help them lose weight. The best way to do this is to consult with your vet. They will be able to create a weight loss plan that is specific for your pup. This plan may include changes to their diet and exercise routine”.
Heart Disease
Carrying around extra weight puts your dog at an increased risk of developing heart disease. This heart disease could be in the form of congestive heart failure, which is when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.
This can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs and other organs. It can also lead to arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. Heart disease is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
Mostly because the extra weight can put a strain on the heart and lead to high blood pressure. If your dog has a heart condition, it can be treated with medication, but some of them are not curable.
Respiratory Problems:
Being overweight can also lead to respiratory problems for a Malamute Puppy. This is because the extra weight can make it difficult for your dog to breathe.
This can be especially problematic for dogs with short snouts, like Malamutes. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
The vet will most likely put your dog on oxygen therapy, which is when they are given oxygen to help them breathe.
Hypertension
This may come as a surprise to a lot of people but yes, carrying around extra weight can also lead to hypertension.
The extra weight can put a strain on the blood vessels and cause them to narrow. This can eventually lead to high blood pressure. If your dog has hypertension, it can be treated with medication.
Degeneration of Joints
The extra weight puts strain on the joints, which can eventually lead to joint pain. This happens to a lot of big dogs, like Malamutes. If your dog has joint pain, it can be treated with medication and supplements.
Urinary Bladder Stones
Extra weight can lead to the formation of urinary bladder stones. Bladder stones form because the extra weight can lead to an increase in the amount of calcium in the urine. This calcium then forms stones in the bladder.
The extra weight can put strain on the urinary system and cause the formation of stones. If your dog has bladder stones, they will need to be treated with surgery.
These are just some of the health problems that can come from being overweight. As you can see, they are all serious conditions that can have a negative impact on your dog’s quality of life.
Being overweight does not help your dog so it is important to consult your vet when you notice some of these symptoms.
They will be able to create a weight loss plan that is specific for your pup. This plan may include changes to their diet and exercise routine.
How to reduce a Malamute Puppy’s weight
Malamute puppies are born with a lot of fur, which keeps them warm in their arctic environment.
However, this thick coat also makes them appear larger and heavier than they actually are. If you’re concerned about your Malamute puppy’s weight, there are a few things you can do to help them slim down;
Commit to an Exercise Program
The best way to help your Malamute puppy lose weight is to commit to an exercise program. Make sure you take them for walks or runs on a daily basis. You can also sign them up for dog agility classes or swimming lessons.
The best kind of routines include:
-Tug of War: this is a great way to burn off energy and have fun at the same time.
-Fetch: this classic game is not only fun for your pup, but it will also help them lose weight.
-Hide And Seek: this game is great for mental stimulation and can be played indoors or outdoors.
-Running alongside you while you bicycle: this is a great way to get some exercise and bonding time with your pup.
Change Their Diet
If your Malamute puppy is eating too much, then you’ll need to make some changes to its diet. The best way to do this is to consult with your vet.
They will be able to recommend the best food for your pup and the proper portion sizes and essential vitamins. You may also want to consider feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Remember that the size of your dog matters. The amount of food you give a puppy is different from what you’ll give an adult dog. So make sure you get the correct ratio.
Feed your Dog a Nutritional Diet
Another way to help your Malamute puppy lose weight is to feed them a nutritional diet. Keep track of the number of complex carbohydrates they consume.
Make sure you are giving them pet food that is high in protein and low in fat. You can also talk to your vet about switching to a diet of quality dog food best for weight management.
Limit the Number of Treats
You should also limit the number of treats you give your Malamute puppy. Instead of giving them a treat every time they do something good, only give them a treat occasionally.
This will help them stay on track with their weight loss goals. You can try treats like;
-Vegetables
-Fruit
-Low-fat yogurt
-Cooked chicken or turkey.
Also, make sure they have access to fresh water.
Finally, you should visit the vet regularly to make sure your Malamute puppy is healthy. The vet can help you create a weight loss plan for your pup and make sure they are getting the right nutrition or balanced dog food.
Find Healthy Treat Options
Giving your Malamute puppy too many treats is one of the quickest ways to sabotage their diet and cause them to become overweight. If you’re looking for healthier treat options that have the required nutritional requirements, consider the options we have mentioned previously.
Be careful of most dog treats sold at supermarkets. Many of these are high in sugar and contain unnecessary additives that cause digestive issues for your dog.
Monitor your Malamute’s weight every month
To ensure they are on track to reach their goals. If you have any concerns, make sure to talk to your vet. They will be able to help you create a plan to get your pup back on track.
With a little bit of effort, you can help your Malamute puppy lose weight and live a healthy life.
Communicate with your Vet Regularly
One of the best ways to ensure your Malamute puppy is healthy and not overweight is to communicate with your vet regularly.
Your vet will be able to help you create a weight loss plan for your pup and make sure they are getting the right nutrition. They can also offer advice on how to monitor your pup’s progress and help you troubleshoot any problems.
The bottom line is that you need to be proactive about your Malamute puppy’s health.
“If you are concerned about their weight, make sure to talk to your vet and create a plan to help them lose weight safely. With a little bit of effort, you can help your Malamute puppy live a long and healthy life”.
Final Thoughts
With so much to think about when it comes to managing a fat malamute puppy, we hope this guide has been helpful.
Remember, the best way to manage a fat malamute puppy is by prevention – getting them on a healthy diet and exercise plan from the get-go will help avoid many health problems down the road.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local veterinarian for advice. Thanks for reading!
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