Definition: Obesity (the storage of excess fat) is usually caused by
excessive food intake and insufficient exercise.
- Estimates show that 40% to 50% of dogs are overweight and 25% of
dogs are obese.
- Dogs can develop many obesity-related health problems.
- By examining your dog, veterinarians determine whether he or she
is overweight or obese and help you create a weight-loss program.
- The most effective weight-loss plans involve increasing activity
and feeding fewer calories. Causes Obesity (the storage of excess fat) is
typically caused by excessive food intake and insufficient exercise.
- According to estimates, 40% to 50% of dogs are overweight and 25%
are obese. Obesity is more common in older, less active pets. Dogs that are fed
homemade meals, table scraps and snacks are more likely to be overweight than
dogs eating only a high-quality commercial pet food.
Diagnosis and treatment
There are many obesity-related health problems, and some medical
conditions can lead to obesity. So it’s important to take your dog in for
annual checkups. Remember, you can’t judge if your dog is overweight merely by
putting him or her on a scale. By examining your dog, veterinarians can use
weight, overall body condition, and other indicators to tell you whether he or
she is overweight or obese, what the probable cause is, and what the best
weight-loss regimen is. Don’t feel bad if you are told your dog is too
heavy.
Everyone knows that dieting can be challenging. But losing weight
can help your dog live longer, avoid disease and feel better, so it is well
worth the effort. Get veterinary advice before changing your dog’s eating and
exercise habits. Veterinarians are trained to recommend an appropriate diet and
exercise program for safe weight loss. When helping your dog lose weight,
slower is safer. “Crash” diets or intense workouts aren’t appropriate for
inactive dogs. If your dog gained the weight slowly, he or she can lose it
slowly. The most effective weight-loss plans involve increasing activity and
feeding fewer calories. The more convenient you make it, the better the chance
of sticking with it. When on a weight-loss program, your dog should lose 2% or
less of its initial body weight per week. For example, a 100-pound dog should
lose no more than 2 pounds every week. A successful weight-loss program may take
a year or longer.
Diet
There are several dietary strategies for helping your dog lose
weight. One or more of the following may be recommended by your veterinary
hospital. For all of these methods, it’s important to use an actual measuring
cup (not an old coffee mug or drinking cup) to keep track of how much you’re
feeding your dog. Feed your dog smaller meals more often. This helps your dog
burn more calories and should help minimize begging for food. However, don’t
feed more food per day. Instead, divide your dog’s daily ration into three or
more feedings. Feed your dog less of its regular food per day. This strategy is
most effective with increased activity. But check first with your veterinarian
to ensure that your dog will receive the right amount of nutrients. Instead of
feeding your dog less, gradually switch him or her to a lower-calorie food
recommended by your veterinarian. The change should be gradual; a sudden switch
could upset your dog’s stomach.
Combine the new food with your dog’s usual food in larger and
larger proportions over several weeks until you are only providing the new
food. Give treats only on special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or
good visits to the veterinarian. Offer low-calorie treats and limit or
eliminate fattening ones.
Exercise
You can help your dog become more active and lose weight by
scheduling regular play times and walks. Consult your veterinarian before
beginning an exercise program for your dog. Not all games/exercise are
appropriate for all breeds or medical conditions. For walks, start out slowly
to give your dog a chance to adapt to an exercise routine. Work up to a brisk
10- to 20-minute walk or jog once or twice a day. On hot or cold days, go easy
or rest. If you don’t have time to walk your dog, hire a dog walker. Doggy day
care centers can also help ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise
throughout the day. Here are some calorie-burning activities for your
dog:
· Fetch
· Keep away
· Playing with other pets
· Walking or jogging
· Running off leash in a restricted area
· Swimming (great for arthritic dogs)
· Tricks for low-calorie treats
· Tug of war
SOURCE:
https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/diseases_conditions/obesity.aspx
As you can see nutrition plays a lot into your pet’s health, whether it be proper growth into adulthood, maintaining an ideal body weight, preventing certain diseases, and protecting joint health as your pet ages.
