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 Obesity is common in today’s household dogs. Obesity reduces your dog’s mobility and ability to run and play normally, and reduces exercise tolerance. It also has many potential adverse effects. Weight loss can be achieved in most cases by adjustments in calorie intake and exercise, and then maintained, to ensure optimum health in your dog.
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How do I know if my dog is overweight?
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When viewed from above, your dog should have a discernible waist between where the ribcage ends and the hindquarters start, and viewed from the side, this area should be noticeably narrower so that the abdominal area is much smaller than the chest area. You should be able to feel the ribs and backbone with gentle pressure.
Typically, your dog was at ideal bodyweight between 1 and 3 years of age (depending on breed) and this figure can be obtained from veterinary records. Otherwise, breed charts provide information on ideal bodyweights for the different breeds. Ask your veterinarian’s opinion on your dog’s weight at your next visit.
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Why is my dog overweight?
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Usually, obesity results from excessive calorie intake relative to requirements. Dogs only require one daily feeding, but often receive two feeds that often consist of more than half of the daily requirement. Decreased activity can lead to weight gain. As in humans, basic metabolic rate differs between individuals, and genetics plays a part, as some breeds are more prone to becoming overweight.
There are some medical conditions that can result in obesity, such as hormonal imbalances of thyroid hormone, cortisone, and insulin. Before starting your dog on a weight loss program, he should have a physical examination by his veterinarian to establish whether blood tests are warranted to rule out any medical problems.
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What are the adverse effects of obesity?
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Apart from loss of quality of life due to exercise intolerance and reduced mobility, obesity can worsen joint and spinal problems. Weight loss in senior arthritic dogs often results in a significant improvement in mobility. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, and fatty infiltration of the liver. Fat over the ribcage and in the abdomen restricts chest movements, which means that the lungs cannot expand to full capacity. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) that can be fatal is more common in obese dogs. Breeding females have more problems whelping.
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How do I achieve weight loss in my dog?
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Once the ideal bodyweight is determined, a weight reduction diet is fed to achieve 2 to 4% weight loss per week. Medical weight loss diets are available at your veterinarian, and the amount fed will be prescribed according to target weight. It is best to feed in several small meals during the day, and snacks and treats are banned, except for prescribed low fat treats,
Weight loss diets are low in fat and high in fibre, so tend to be lower in palatability than other dog foods. If your dog is reluctant to eat the new diet, change it gradually over a month. Since most are available in tinned and dry forms, warming tinned food increases its palatability, and some dogs enjoy garlic powder or a stock cube sprinkled over the food.
It is important that all family members are committed to the dog’s weight loss program, since the most common reason for it to fail is owner compliance.
Exercise needs to be introduced to the dog’s routine gradually. Frequent shorter walks can increase in length as weight loss occurs and the dog’s fitness increases. Off-leash exercise using frisbees and tennis balls are effective.
If weight loss is not evident after a month, calorie intake will need to be reduced further, and blood tests may be recommended to rule out underlying medical conditions.
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How can I maintain this weight loss?
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Once the ideal bodyweight is achieved, it can be maintained by feeding a good quality, balanced, low calorie diet, and keeping up the exercise routine. Regular weighing allows any further adjustments to calorie intake.
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Christmas alert
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Do your dog a favour and forget the fattening treats this Christmas. Feeding tidbits of ham, turkey and other tasty morsels from the table can also cause serious tummy upsets or even pancreatitis, requiring an emergency trip to the vet.
Don't forget that chocolate is poisonous to pets, as are certain nuts and food containing onions. Even raisins can cause a problem so keep the Christmas pudding off the menu, too.
Lastly, make sure you clear away Christmas wrappings, string, tinsel and small ornaments that an inquistive pet may choke on or swallow, causing an intestinal obstruction.
Keep your pet trim, healthy and happy these holidays!
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Content Editor: Julia Adams BVSc
Contributors: Dr Rebecca Bragg BVSc
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