After the excesses of Christmas many of us start thinking about a healthier diet and exercising. If this is true for you, why not think about whether your pet could benefit too? To kick off National Obesity Awareness Week we thought we’d take a look at obesity in animals. Overweight dogs are becoming an ever-increasing problem in the UK. According to the British Veterinary Association, over 60% of vets say that obesity is the biggest health concern for pets.1 So the increasing size of the obesity problem in UK pets is not one that should be ignored. Interestingly, it is the most common preventable disease in dogs and avoiding it could help prevent other conditions such as arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease and heart failure. Overweight dogs are certainly a cause for concern. Is your dog’s life at risk?
Particular breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, Dachshunds, English Bulldogs, Cairn Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Chihuahuas, Scottish Terriers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, St. Bernards, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Basset Hounds) are more prone to obesity than others. If your dog is one of these breeds it’s definitely something to keep in mind, even if your furry friend is not currently overweight.
Although obesity can occur at any time, the risk increases with age, with middle age dogs being particularly susceptible. Gender can be a contributing factor, with females faring worse than males. Also, it is important to be aware that obesity can be a side effect of certain diseases such as hypothyroidism, insulinoma and Cushing’s disease. If your pet gains weight suddenly or is overweight despite a small appetite and plenty of exercise, talk to your veterinarian.
It is estimated that simply controlling weight can extend a dog’s life by two years. What can we do to keep our best friend alongside for longer?
Determine whether your pet is overweight
There are 3 tips that you can use prior to getting out the scales:
- You should be able to feel the outline of your pet’s ribs without excess fat coverage.
- You should be able to see and feel your pet’s waist.
- Your pet’s belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.
When you do get the scales out, make sure you know what the ideal weight should be. There is plenty of advice online and The Kennel Club gives the breed standard for each dog breed, but if in doubt check with your vet.
Dietary changes to help overweight dogs lose weight
If your dog burns more calories than it consumes, it will lose weight. It may be a simple equation, but it can take a lot of discipline to achieve.
It is always recommended that before embarking on a diet or exercise program to have your pet checked by a vet. If given the green light, some of these suggestions may be helpful to slim down your pooch.
Don’t feed your pet table scraps
Human food doesn’t always work well for dogs and some human foods are simply toxic. If possible, stick to dog food. A diet rich in dietary fibre and protein but low in fat is recommended. Protein will boost metabolism and give a feeling of fullness, while dietary fibre stimulates intestinal metabolism.
Weigh out your pet food
Portion size affects weight gain. If your dogs eat however much they like, you are going to end up with overweight dogs. Weighing out each meal keeps portions to a sensible size. If your dog is still hungry after mealtime, offer fresh water. Families with several dogs, but not all are overweight, should try to feed the dogs separately. Do not leave food out, as you need to know which dog has been eating the food.
Limit treats
Treats are typically high calorie and where possible should be limited. For example, a pig’s ear fed to an 18kg (40 lb) dog is the equivalent of a human drinking a 6-pack of fizzy drinks. Reward your dog in other ways such as offering a favourite toy. Make sure the whole household is involved, as it won’t work if Grandma keeps slipping your pooch sneaky snacks.
Exercise to help overweight dogs to lose weight
Establish a regular exercise program
Just as with humans, a regular exercise program is crucial for a dog’s physical and mental wellbeing. If your pet is excessively overweight, introduce exercise slowly, increasing gradually as fitness levels and stamina improve. Aim for at least 15 minutes of walking, twice a day. Although there’s nothing better than time spent sniffing a lamp post, a brisk walk, rather than a stroll, is desirable. Gradually increase the frequency and duration of the walks, add in some play time with a ball or frisbee, or even progress to some jogging.
How much weight loss should my dog achieve?
Aim for a weight loss of approximately 3-5% of body weight loss per month (or about o.4 kg/1lb) in overweight dogs. Too much weight loss can be dangerous, so ensure that weight checks are done regularly and work closely with your vet to ensure that everything is safely on track.
Putting on the pounds always seems to be easier than taking them off, but sticking to some of these guidelines can be life changing. The problems associated with obesity can be reversible, so why not work with your dog so you can both achieve a happier, healthier new year and beyond?
References
- https://www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/newsroom/news-releases/pet-obesity-epidemic-is-top-welfare-concern-for-vets/
Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Please consult a vet for advice specific to your dog.
