Obesity in dogs

Overview

A dog is considered overweight if it is 5 to 20 percent above its ideal weight.  A dog is considered obese if it is 20 percent or more above its ideal weight. Just as for people, when a dog is overweight, the stress of those excess pounds creates health risks to joints and organs. The health risks for an overweight dog are extensive: Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), damage to joints, bones, and ligaments, heart disease and increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, decreased stamina, heat intolerance, decreased liver function, increased surgical and anesthetic risks, digestive disorders, decreased immune function, skin and hair problems, increased risk of cancer, and decreased quality and length of life.

With estimates of 25% to 40% of dogs in the United States being overweight, obesity is one of the most common health problems.

Dogs become overweight when they take in more calories than they burn. Less than 5% of the cases of obesity can be traced to disease, such as hypothyroidism, but the process is the same: the dog is eating more than he is expending energy. Neutering and spaying are not justifications for weight gain, although these procedures do make it easier for our animal companions to gain weight.  Humans, however, are the main cause of obesity in dogs.

Symptoms

How can you tell if your dog is overweight? Start by taking a good look at your dog from the side and from above. Does your dog have a waist? Take your dog's breed characteristics into account, but in general, the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest. Feel your dog's ribs. You should be able to feel a slight amount of fat, but still feel each individual rib. When checking other bony areas, such as the spine, shoulders, hips, and base of the tail, you should also feel a small amount of fat while still being able to easily feel the bones.

Prevention

Most obesity problems can be avoided with the proper amount of food and exercise. Keeping your dog on a puppy food beyond a year of age can contribute to an overweight dog as puppy food is very high in calories. Weighing your dog, doing regular body assessments, appropriate calorie intake and adequate exercise are the keys to a healthy weight.

Treatment

If you decide your pet is overweight, you can design a weight loss program by reducing calories and increasing exercise. It is always a good idea to have a check up and weigh in with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is up for the challenge.

Check the quantity of food you normally give your dog.  You do not have to feed your dog what the dog food bag says to feed; these amounts are merely listed as guidelines.  Using a true measuring cup, a good rule for most dogs is 1 cup per 20 pounds of dog, (at desired weight) per day divided in to two feedings. If you have a 70 pound dog that really should be 60 pounds you would feed 1 an a half cups in the morning and the same at night. That would include dry food and any can food or snacks your dog may get around mealtime. Switching to a low calorie or less active' food will help lower the calorie intake. Check the brand that you already feed your dog to see if they make one of these. Whenever you change to a new diet, take 5 to 7 days to do so, starting with a small amount of the new food mixed with the current food and gradually increasing the mix. This will decrease the chances of dietary upset that could cause vomiting and or diarrhea. One of the easiest ways to reduce calories in your dog's diet is by eliminating extra calories such as treats, snacks, the cat's food, table scraps, the after dinner bone. Use more appropriate food for snacks: carrots, green beans, apple slices, or unbuttered popcorn.  Do not give grapes or raisins, as they may cause kidney problems.

Go slow as you increase your dog's exercise. Build up endurance and intensity carefully, without overstressing muscles, lungs, and heart. It is better to do frequent, short sessions of low or moderate activity such as a walk around the block, swimming, or a game of fetch, and increase the duration and frequency of exercise as your dog's health improves. The best exercise with the least amount of stress on the joints is swimming. Overweight dogs should be watched closely during exercise to make sure they do not have trouble breathing, especially in hot weather. Always carry water and a travel bowl with you.

In January of 2007, Pfizer Animal Health announced the availability of the first obesity drug for dogs in the United States. Slentrol (dirlotapide), a prescription medication given once daily as an oral solution, blocks absorption of fat and decreases a dog's appetite. The cost of Slentrol depends on the size of the dog, but is estimated at $1 to $2 a day. Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Even with the use of Slentrol, diet and exercise are still necessary parts of an effective weight loss program.