Dog Obesity: a prevalent condition that can adversely affect your overweight dog’s health
It has been estimated that over half of U.S. dogs are overweight dogs. The risk of canine obesity can be increased by genetics, high-fat diets, overeating, lack of exercise and health problems such as hypothyroidism. While gaining a few pounds may not make a lot of difference to your body, for a dog with a comparatively smaller body, a few pounds can add a lot of stress to bones and organs. These excess pounds can even shorten your dog's life.
Common health problems associated with dog obesity include:
- lameness and arthritis
- diabetes mellitus
- exercise intolerance and overheating
- increased anesthetic and surgical risks
- reduced life span
How do you know if you have an overweight dog?
Canine obesity is defined as 20 to 25% above ideal weight, or enough excess body fat to impair health or body function.
Purina Body Condition System™ for canine obesity
IDEAL
Cannot see ribs, but you can easily feel them. Pet has a waist behind rib cage when viewed from above. Viewed from side, the stomach tucks in behind the rib cage. Maintain current feeding regimen.
TOO HEAVY
Cannot feel ribs, or can feel them only with significant pressure. Fat deposits at base of tail. Belly is rounded when viewed from the side. For weight loss, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for feeding. Compare again at scheduled check-up. Make feeding adjustments as directed.
Why many weight-loss programs fail
- Metabolic disorder
If a metabolic disorder
such as hypothyroidism is causing your dog's weight gain, diet foods may
not always help. Before initiating any diet, your dog should be
examined by a veterinarian to rule out metabolic dysfunction and
disease.
- “Reduced-calorie foods” may not be low in calories
Maybe
you’ve tried giving your overweight dog “reduced-calorie” food. The
trouble is, while this food may have fewer calories than other
maintenance foods in the same line, it doesn’t necessarily mean that
it’s low enough in calories to help your dog lose the excess weight.
- Lack of exercise
Without adequate, consistent exercise as part of a weight-loss program, some overweight dogs may fail to lose weight, even if they’re on a low-calorie diet.
- Feed your dog for good health
- Don’t feed table scraps and high-calorie treats.
- Place only a measured amount of food in your pet’s bowl each day.