OBESITY IN DOGS – According to some sources, obesity in dogs is by far the most common problem seen in veterinary clinics in North America, it is estimated that as many as 30% of adult dogs are overweight.
Any breed can have a problem with obesity, but it is most often a problem with golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, beagles and pugs. Nowadays, when many owners allow themselves to gain weight due to their lifestyle and improper diet, the consequence of that is often that many pets gain weight together with them. First of all, living without enough physical activities, as well as weather conditions that are not always suitable for outdoor activities, can lead to weight gain in our pets.
Obesity over a long period of time can lead to joint disease, numerous respiratory diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes, skin diseases, cancer as well as heart problems. Even a little overweight can shorten the life of your pet. A study done by Purina found that dogs who were moderately overweight had a 15% reduction in their lifespan. In short, obese dogs die earlier. Similar things are observed in the study of human weight, ie people who are overweight during their life.
How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
It is not always possible to say whether a dog is overweight just by looking at him, it is necessary to feel the dog so that you have a good feeling in the area of ribs, hips, shoulders and spine. This is especially important for dogs with thick, fluffy coats because their thick coat can hide their true “figure”. When you put your hands on your pet, you should easily feel his ribs, without digging through them and feeling them. You should also see his waist clearly in the side view. Based on the following questions, you can make an assessment of your dog’s obesity:
Can you feel your dog’s ribs easily?
Can you feel the top of your dog’s shoulder blades?
Can you see the last rib in your dog?
Can you feel your dog’s spine but not see it?
Can you feel your dog’s hip bones but not see them?
Does your dog have an hourglass figure?
Does your dog have a waist when you look at the side view?
If you answered “NO” to several of these questions, your dog could probably lose a litle weight.
How many extra pounds is okay?
The number of extra pounds depends on the size of the dog. A dog is considered obese when it weighs more than 10 to 15% of its ideal weight. For example, a chihuahua that should weigh 2.3 kg will be considered obese if it weighs an additional 227 grams, while a Labrador retriever that should weigh 30 kg will not be obese until it weighs more than 33 kg or 3 kg over its ideal weight.
What causes dog obesity?
There are some medical conditions like hypothyroidism that can cause your dog to gain weight, but still the most common cause of dog obesity is too much food and insufficient amount of daily physical activity. If your dog suddenly starts to gain weight or if you have reduced his food, and he has problems with losing weight, you should definitely consult your veterinarian.
Many dogs lead fairly inactive lives. A leisurely walk around the neighborhood does not provide the sufficient amount of physical activity that is necessary for the purpose of healthy calorie burning. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention that the food that your pet received does not exceed his needs, as well as to find out what is the best food for your dog.
How to introduce a weight loss regimen?
If your dog needs to lose 10% of its weight or less, you should be able to achieve this without major problems with simple lifestyle changes. In case your pet needs to lose more than 10%, you need to consult your veterinarian. Make sure you follow a safe weight loss method.
It is also necessary to determine the daily caloric intake of the food that your dog received. You can calculate this information based on the information on the dog food package that you give to your pet. The more caloric the food, the less food you will need. Also, it is advisable to keep a diary of your dog’s food during the diet period in which you will record everything that your pet eats during the day. Once you know what your dog is eating on normal days, you will know where it is necessary to make a reduction in order for your dog to gradually and in a healthy way lose extra pounds. For starters, you need to reduce the amount of treats you give your dog. Slow and stable weight loss will not leave your pet too hungry, and it will really help him in the long run.
What about exercise?
Dogs need exercise to keep their body in good shape, but also their mind. Here are some tips to help you and your pet exercise.
Change your route – Take another route through the area where you normally walk or walk in the opposite direction to how you normally walk.
Try or find a new trail – Ask online or with friends about trails and places suitable for dogs. Spring and autumn are the best times to explore new territories for walking.
Bring a friend – invite your dog’s friend, and of course the owner, to hang out in the yard or find yourself in a park where your dog and his friend can play without a leash. Their mutual play is a great way to lose weight and it is also fun to watch.
Don’t let weather stop you – Even if it’s not a perfect day for walks and outdoor activities, you and your dog can still go out for exercise. Dress yourself and your pet appropriately for the weather and after a little warm-up in outdoor activities, you will see that it is probably not as cold as you thought it was until you went wandering outside.
Exercise indoors – If you are unable to go out, find a way to play with your pet inside the house or apartment. If you have space, you can play hide-and-seek, or practice inviting your pet from different rooms, you can walk up and down the stairs in the building by visiting several different floors together.
Swimming – Swimming is a great physical activity, especially if you have an older pet who, for example, has arthritis.
Dog walker – Consider hiring a professional dog walker. If you do not have time to take your pet for longer walks than usual, you can hire someone to do it for you.
The least we can do for the health of our dog is to keep them in shape. Even the highest quality food in the world will not make your dog healthy if he eats too much. To start your dog’s weight loss regimen, start with a slightly increased exercise regimen and a little less food over a period of a month, and then re-evaluate the condition of his body so you can move on from there. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the risk of getting cancer, joint diseases, respiratory diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes, skin diseases and heart problems. Keep your beloved pet in shape and help him stay healthy!
Source: moderndogmagazine.com
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