{"id":344,"date":"2017-10-12T09:05:14","date_gmt":"2017-10-12T09:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/?p=344"},"modified":"2020-03-19T11:56:12","modified_gmt":"2020-03-19T11:56:12","slug":"obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Obesity shortens lives: is your dog at risk?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">October is here and we are now in the run-up to the holiday season when, let\u2019s face it with all the food temptations at this time of year, many of us find we put on a little weight.\u00a0 This year, why not think about maintaining diets and exercise programs prior to and throughout the holidays, so that in January our clothes still fit the way they should? \u00a0If this approach appeals to you, maybe your pet could benefit too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Sadly, obesity in animals is an ever-increasing problem.\u00a0 According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 54% of dogs in the US are classed as overweight or obese (10-15% over the ideal body weight). 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Specific 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. \u00a0If your dog is one of these breeds it\u2019s something to keep in mind, even if she is not currently overweight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Although obesity can occur at any time, the risk increases with age, with middle age dogs being particularly susceptible. \u00a0Gender 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\u2019s disease. If your pet gains weight suddenly or is overweight despite a small appetite and plenty of exercise, talk to your veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">It is estimated that simply controlling weight can extend a dog\u2019s life by <strong>two<\/strong> years. So, what can we do to keep our best friend alongside for longer?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Determine whether your pet is overweight<br \/>\n<\/strong>There are 3 tips that you can use prior to getting out the scales:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\">You should be able to feel the outline of your pet\u2019s ribs without excess fat coverage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\">You should be able to see and feel your pet\u2019s waist.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Your pet\u2019s belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">When you do get the scales out, make sure you know what the ideal weight should be.\u00a0 The American Kennel Club gives advice on the appropriate weight range for each breed, but if in doubt check with your veterinarian.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333333;\">How can you help your dog lose weight?<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">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.\u00a0 If given the green light, some of these suggestions may be helpful to slim down your pooch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Establish a regular exercise program<br \/>\n<\/strong>Just as with humans, a regular exercise program is crucial to a dog\u2019s physical and mental wellbeing.\u00a0 If your pet is excessively\u00a0overweight, introduce exercise slowly, increasing gradually as fitness levels and stamina improve. Aiming for at least 15 minutes of walking, twice a day is good. \u00a0Although for a dog there\u2019s nothing better than time spent sniffing a hydrant, a brisk walk, rather than a stroll, is desirable. \u00a0If you can gradually increase the frequency and duration of the walks, add in some ball-play or even progress to some jogging, all the better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Don\u2019t feed your pet table scraps<br \/>\n<\/strong>Human food doesn\u2019t always work well for dogs and some is simply toxic. If possible, stick to dog food. Whether you opt for wet or dry dog food, a diet rich in dietary fiber and protein but low in fat is recommended. Protein will boost metabolism and give a feeling of fullness, while dietary fiber stimulates intestinal metabolism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Weigh out your pet food<br \/>\n<\/strong>Whether you are human or canine, portion size affects weight gain.\u00a0 If you weigh out each meal you will keep portions to a sensible size.\u00a0 Try to avoid using self-feeders, but if you must use these, try an automated version to dispense a set amount at specific times of day.\u00a0 If your dog is still hungry after mealtime, offer fresh water.\u00a0 If you have\u00a0several dogs, but not all are overweight, try to feed the dogs separately and do not leave food out, so you\u00a0can figure out who has eaten what.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><strong>Limit treats<br \/>\n<\/strong>Treats are typically high calorie and where possible should be limited. For example, a pig&#8217;s ear fed to a 40lb dog is the equivalent of a human drinking a 6-pack of soda. Try to reward your dog using other methods such as making a fuss of your pooch, offering a favorite toy, or playing ball. Make sure the whole household is involved in this, as it just doesn\u2019t work if Pop keeps slipping your pooch sneaky snacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Targets<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Aim for a weight loss of approximately 3-5% of body weight loss per month (or about 1lb).\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Putting on the pounds is always 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 Holiday season and beyond?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\">We&#8217;d love to hear of weight-loss tips that have worked for your pup; photos always appreciated!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><em>Information given in this article is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. \u00a0Please consult a veterinarian for advice on weight-loss programs specific to your dog.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>October is here and we are now in the run-up to the holiday season when, let\u2019s face it with all the food temptations at this time of year, many of us find we put on a little weight.\u00a0 This year, why not think about maintaining diets and exercise programs prior to and throughout the holidays, &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Obesity shortens lives: is your dog at risk?<\/span>Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":347,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[47],"tags":[1407,1416,1463,1470,1491,3,1531,1541,1571,1580,1591,1601,1628,1635,1649,1665,1670,1729,1754,1782,1814,1815,1845,1849,1888,1895,1903,1993,1995,2035,2058,2062,2069,2098,2104,2108,2131,2162,2187,2217,2274,2282,2305,2344,958,2355,2364,2374,2376,2392,2411,2423,2438,2450,2460,2503,2512,2533,2546,2576,2585,2712,2713,2714,1020,2716,2752,2757,1022,2830,2834,2840,2855,2859,2900,2923,2928,2938,2983,3023,3027,3048,3079,3095,3112,3136,3142,3162,3164,3194,3208,3211,3252,3259,3397,3407,3428,3450,678,3466,357,3467,3472],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Obesity shortens lives: is your dog at risk? - Travall Blog Website<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Obesity shortens lives: is your dog at risk? - Travall Blog Website\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"October is here and we are now in the run-up to the holiday season when, let\u2019s face it with all the food temptations at this time of year, many of us find we put on a little weight.\u00a0 This year, why not think about maintaining diets and exercise programs prior to and throughout the holidays, &hellip; Obesity shortens lives: is your dog at risk?Read More &raquo;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Travall Blog Website\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-10-12T09:05:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2020-03-19T11:56:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/rsz_fat_dog_and_food-final.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1250\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"861\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/\",\"name\":\"Travall Blog Website\",\"description\":\"Travall Blog US Website\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/rsz_fat_dog_and_food-final.jpg\",\"width\":1250,\"height\":861,\"caption\":\"Lots of dry pet food and a fat chihuahua on a white background\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/\",\"name\":\"Obesity shortens lives: is your dog at risk? - Travall Blog Website\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2017-10-12T09:05:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2020-03-19T11:56:12+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/c57be161c10ac1ee87db20a1f73d94fc\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/obesity-shortens-lives-is-your-dog-at-risk\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/#\/schema\/person\/c57be161c10ac1ee87db20a1f73d94fc\",\"name\":\"Travall\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/DS36740.png\",\"caption\":\"Travall\"},\"description\":\"The blog is authored by members of our team who are passionate about adventuring with their family members (dogs included). Why not join them to experience the best of life\\u2019s journey?\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=344"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11199,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/344\/revisions\/11199"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}