If your Husky is overweight, you may be curious about why and what you can do about it.
This post will discuss various possible causes of obesity and what you may do about it.
So, what’s the deal with my Husky’s weight?
Possible causes include eating things it shouldn’t, eating too much of the correct nutrients, lacking activity, illness, or being genetically prone to be large.
There are several reasons your husky can be overweight, and it could be a combination. There are, however, many things you can do about it.
Do you have a specific question about why husky can be fat? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
Is it fat or simply fluffy?
You must consider whether your Husky is obese or just fluffy.
When the Husky’s coat has been shaved (which is not suggested because they have their own system of shedding and developing new coats), the pup is sometimes much smaller than they appear.
Their large and fluffy coat may give the impression that they are much larger than they are. Simply rub your hand over your Husky’s coat to see if they are gaining weight or if their coat is too big.
Common reasons for your fat husky
A problem with the diet
The reason it is obese could be due to a problem with the diet. It could be that it is eating the incorrect foods or too much of the proper foods. You might feed him this by mistake, or your pup can eat stuff it finds without your knowledge.
An unhealthy diet is one of the most common causes of Husky weight gain. It is possible that the Husky is being fed the incorrect diet. Even if you provide adequate nourishment, you may need to be more cautious about portion control.
Is it possible that the dog is being fed twice by mistake?
You might need to coordinate mealtimes with all members of the home.
You should also be strict about the types of treats you give your dog and how often they get to enjoy special treats. For example, suppose kids eat carbohydrate-heavy sweets every day. In that case, it ceases to be an exciting treat and becomes a regular part of their diet.
A Siberian husky should consume between 860 and 1290 calories per day. And typically weight not more than 60 pounds. It would be beneficial to talk with your veterinarian to ensure that it is eating the proper foods and that you are providing the appropriate calories.
It would also be beneficial to ensure that no one else feeds it without your knowledge.
Bloating or water retention
Water retention or bloating can cause your body to appear larger without adding much weight to the scales. Cushing’s illness frequently causes bloating or potbelly. This ailment causes your husky’s body to create more cortisol. Cortisol is an essential hormone with numerous roles. However, too little or too much of it can cause problems. Cushing’s illness leads dogs to lose muscle mass while developing a potbelly. So, while the dog may appear to grow in visual size, the scale will remain the same or even decrease. Hair loss, uneven skin, frequent urination, and poor wound healing are signs of this. If you suspect this is the situation with your husky, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Cushing’s illness is a dangerous condition that must be treated right away.
It is due to a lack of activity
Huskies are a breed intended to be active for the majority of the day. As a result, students are expected to acquire many exercises daily. They can gain weight if they do not get enough exercise.
It is generally suggested that they get at least one hour of exercise daily. If your Husky has not been receiving enough and is healthy, it would be beneficial to ensure it does.
Injuries or illnesses
Your Husky’s fatness could also be due to illness or injury. If it is unwell or injured, it may not be as active as usual, but if it continues to consume the same quantity, it will begin to gain weight. This is particularly likely if your Husky has abruptly gained weight and exhibited symptoms of illness or injury, like weariness or limping. If it appears ill or hurt, it is best to take it to a veterinarian.
Many physiological processes in your Husky’s body will naturally change as he ages. The first to mention is metabolism. The metabolism, like ours, naturally decreases with age. This will undoubtedly result in weight gain and is difficult to reverse, especially when it is linked to age. Your Husky definitely can’t exercise as much as he used to. Nobody, human or canine, is a spring chicken in its golden years. We need to protect our furry friends’ joints.
Thus a more sedentary lifestyle will, unfortunately, result in some weight gain. Weight growth in old age is challenging to combat but not impossible. Specific diets and daily routines can be reviewed with your veterinarian. They will differ significantly for each husky (making it difficult for me to provide precise advice here). If your Husky is getting on in years, make an appointment with your vet so you can start making progress.
Genetics
It may be genetically predisposed to being huge. This is more likely if your vet has not found any problems during checks or if it has always been fat and has not appeared suddenly.
Consider whether it has always been overweight.
When attempting to determine why your Husky is overweight, evaluate whether it has always been that way or whether it has developed suddenly.
If it gained weight abruptly, it was most likely due to a change in nutrition, illness, accident, or suddenly having less activity. However, it would be helpful to consider what else happened when it became obese.
If it has always been obese, it is more likely to be inherited, especially if your vet has discovered no problems. However, it is possible that it has not been receiving enough exercise or eating incorrect foods.
How to get your husky to lose weight?
You can do several things to help your Siberian Husky lose weight. You’ll probably find that using a combination of them works best.
Diet plan
It is critical to ensure that your Husky eats a balanced diet of proteins and carbohydrates. Sure, carbs are often the cause of weight gain, but a diet devoid of carbs will not give them the energy they require to keep active. The objective is to strike a proper balance to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
If numerous people in your family care for the dog, ensure everyone is on the same page about what the pet is eating and when they have been fed.
Pets are frequently fed many times each day by mistake. Even if the dog has already eaten, you cannot count on them to refuse food if they are being fed. Maintain clear coordination regarding meal hours and aim to prevent snacking or snacks in between meals.
Ensure that it consumes the appropriate number of calories for its activity levels.
It would also be beneficial to ensure that it consumes the appropriate number of calories for its size, age, and activity level. For example, Siberian Huskies should consume between 860 and 1290 calories daily. However, this may vary according to your husky, so consult your local vet the next time you see them.
Give it exercise
Suppose your Husky is not currently getting enough exercise, and the vet has confirmed that it is healthy. In that case, it might be beneficial to ensure that it does. You can exercise it by walking it yourself or hiring a dog walker to do it for you.
When should you visit your veterinarian?
If you are unsure whether your Husky is overweight or has too much fat, you should consult with your veterinarian. Nothing beats a professional opinion, and because weight control is vital for all pets, veterinarians are well-versed in this area.
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com
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