If your puppy has suddenly gained a lot of weight around the belly area, it’s important to get a diagnosis, and answer what are the causes of fat puppy belly This will help you determine what is causing the excess weight and ensure that your puppy gets a proper diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Most of the time, the most common cause of a fat puppy belly is overeating and obesity. However, it can also be caused by other medical conditions like intestinal parasites and bloating. Swollen belly can be uncomfortable for your puppy and can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, etc. If you notice that your puppy has a fat belly, it is best to take them to a vet.
To know more about the common causes of fat belly in puppies, continue reading.
What Is Fat Puppy Belly?
As puppies grow, they develop a layer of fatty tissue over their ribs, but it disappears as they get older. It is similar to baby fat in humans.
The fatty tissue is called puppy fat, and it is normal for puppies to have this on their bodies until they are about 5-6 months old. It usually goes away when the puppy is older and taller.
However, a bloated belly can also be a sign of a number of things that need medical attention. The most serious is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can be fatal if left untreated.
Intestinal worms are another common cause of a swollen belly in puppies and young dogs. Fortunately, most worms can be treated with medications that don’t have a negative impact on your dog’s weight.
If you see these signs, your dog is having a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss the symptoms and the diagnosis.
Stool samples can help you determine the cause of your puppy’s bloated stomach. Your veterinarian will ask you to collect a sample of your dog’s stool at each visit.
What Are the Causes of Fat Puppy Belly?
When your puppy’s belly starts to swell, it can be hard to know what the problem is. If you’re concerned, get your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Here are some common causes of fat puppy bellies.
- Being Overweight
Being overweight is a very serious problem for dogs and can cause a number of health issues, including a fat puppy belly. Obesity increases a dog’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, and many types of cancer.
The best way to prevent obesity is by making sure your dog gets plenty of exercises and limiting the number of treats they receive throughout the day.
If you aren’t sure if your dog is obese, it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your vet so they can get a thorough examination and determine your pet’s overall health.
- Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites are very common and can cause a variety of problems, including bloating and a swollen stomach. This can make it difficult for a puppy to eat and move food along.
Intestinal worms are also very serious and can cause a dog to become sick. This is why it’s important to deworm your puppy as soon as possible.
Aside from causing a fat puppy belly, intestinal worms can also affect the immune system and lead to many other problems.
- Gastric Dilation And Volvulus
If your dog has a large, fat belly, it could be caused by gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). This is a dangerous, life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself.
GDV can cause severe damage to the stomach wall and other organs, including the spleen. It can also put pressure on the diaphragm, a thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, leading to trouble breathing.
- Internal Organ Enlargement
In healthy dogs, internal organ enlargement is usually a sign of illness and should be treated as soon as possible. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling of the liver, fluid build-up in the abdomen, and a pot-bellied appearance.
The diagnosis of the cause of abdominal enlargement begins with a thorough history and physical exam by the veterinarian.
- Hemoabdomen
A build-up of blood within the lining of the abdomen, stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, or gallbladder can cause hemoabdomen. This is an emergency situation that should be treated right away.
There are many causes of this condition, and the prognosis depends on the underlying cause. The most common cause of this type of bleeding is a tumor that has ruptured.
Tips for Treating a Fat Puppy Belly
When a puppy has a fat belly, it can be a sign of a serious condition. So, it is best to consult a vet.
Here are some things you can do if you notice that your puppy has a fat belly.
- Check Stool Sample
If your pup has a fat belly, stool samples can help rule out various problems like intestinal parasites. A stool sample is used for a series of tests that can diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract, including infection, such as from parasites, viruses, or bacteria.
Normal stools are brown, soft, and well-formed in consistency. They do not contain blood, mucus, pus, undigested meat fibers, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. A vet can check stool samples to determine the cause of a fat puppy belly.
- Receive Diagnosis from A Vet
If your dog’s belly looks like it may be enlarged due to a serious condition, you should receive a diagnosis from your veterinarian. A vet will conduct a physical exam and perform necessary tests, such as blood, urine, fecal, or abdominal x-rays or ultrasound.
A veterinarian should also examine your pet’s stomach through a long, flexible scope. This procedure can diagnose the cause of abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or other issues in dogs.
- Begin Deworming Process
One of the most important things you can do to treat a fat puppy belly is to begin the deworming process. These medications are effective at eliminating parasites that live in your pet’s intestine, bloodstream, or other areas of their body.
Puppies are at risk of acquiring worms from their mother, from wildlife carriers, or from the environment. In addition, they can become infected with a variety of parasites that can affect their growth, immune system, or organs.
Most veterinarians recommend starting the deworming process when your puppy is 2 weeks old and then continuing on a regular schedule.
- Maintain A Strict Diet
The best way to treat a fat puppy belly is to maintain a strict diet. This will ensure your dog is getting the nutrients he needs to remain healthy and happy.
Your pup should eat food that’s specifically formulated for his breed and life stage. It should also include easily digestible ingredients that can soothe your dog’s tummy.
Some dogs have a sensitivity to common ingredients in their food, including beef, chicken, dairy products, and wheat. So, make sure you give them special food.
Conclusion
The most common reason for a swollen belly in puppies is that they simply have eaten too much.
When they are first born, a puppy is still learning how to control its appetite. A swollen belly can also be caused by parasites.
Many parasites can affect the intestines and cause bloating. Your veterinarian may need to perform tests to determine if the problem is due to parasites.
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