Obesity In Dogs
Obesity can be very detrimental to your dog's health and is responsible for many chronic medical problems.
Problems associated with obesity include:
- Arthritis, "slipped disc," and torn or strained ligaments.
- Respiratory problems associated with endurance and exercise.
- Heart problems from overwork.
- Liver disease.
- Dystocia - difficulty in giving birth.
- Diabetes.
- Heat Stroke - due to a decreased ability to control heat.
- Skin problems.
- Excessive gas and/or constipation.
- Lowered resistance to disease.
- Anal gland impaction and infection.
- Increased risk for anesthesia and surgery.
Obesity reduces your dog's lifespan!!! (And also its enjoyment of life!)
Causes of obesity:
- Over-eating is the #1 cause of obesity (90% of all cases).
- Lack of exercise.
- Lowered metabolism.
- Hormonal imbalances.
Obesity treatment:
A thorough physical exam and complete blood screen should be performed by your dog's veterinarian before beginning a weight loss program to rule out metabolic disorders which may contribute to your dog’s weight problem. Hypothyroidism in particular is frequently associated with overweight dogs.
A successful weight loss program will depend on total cooperation of the entire family.
- Decrease food intake by 40% - this means feed about 1/2 the normal amount fed OR use a weight loss diet, such as Prescription Diet R/D. (**Your dog's veterinarian can recommend the proper diet and the proper amount of food daily for your dog.)
- Spread the total daily ration throughout the day.
- Several small feedings are recommended instead of one or two larger meals.
- In-between meal snacks must be avoided.
- Increasing your dog’s exercise may also help with weight loss. If your dog has been fairly sedentary in the recent past, this increased exercise regimen must be approached slowly, just as with a person who is not used to exercising vigorously.
