Definition
· Obesity (the storage of excess fat) is
usually caused by excessive food intake and insufficient exercise.
· Estimates show that 40% to 50% of dogs
are overweight and 25% of dogs are obese.
· Dogs can develop many obesity-related
health problems.
· By examining your dog, veterinarians
determine whether he or she is overweight or obese and help you create a
weight-loss program.
· The most effective weight-loss plans
involve increasing activity and feeding fewer calories. Causes Obesity (the
storage of excess fat) is typically caused by excessive food intake and insufficient
exercise.
According to estimates, 40% to 50% of dogs
are overweight and 25% are obese. Obesity is more common in older, less active
pets. Dogs that are fed homemade meals, table scraps and snacks are more likely
to be overweight than dogs eating only a high-quality commercial pet
food.
Diagnosis and treatment
There are many obesity-related health
problems, and some medical conditions can lead to obesity. So it’s important to
take your dog in for annual checkups. Remember, you can’t judge if your dog is
overweight merely by putting him or her on a scale. By examining your dog,
veterinarians can use weight, overall body condition, and other indicators to
tell you whether he or she is overweight or obese, what the probable cause is,
and what the best weight-loss regimen is. Don’t feel bad if you are told your
dog is too heavy.
Everyone knows that dieting can be
challenging. But losing weight can help your dog live longer, avoid disease and
feel better, so it is well worth the effort. Get veterinary advice before
changing your dog’s eating and exercise habits. Veterinarians are trained to
recommend an appropriate diet and exercise program for safe weight loss. When
helping your dog lose weight, slower is safer. “Crash” diets or intense
workouts aren’t appropriate for inactive dogs. If your dog gained the weight
slowly, he or she can lose it slowly. The most effective weight-loss plans
involve increasing activity and feeding fewer calories. The more convenient you
make it, the better the chance of sticking with it. When on a weight-loss
program, your dog should lose 2% or less of its initial body weight per week.
For example, a 100-pound dog should lose no more than 2 pounds every week. A
successful weight-loss program may take a year or longer.
Diet
There are several dietary strategies for
helping your dog lose weight. One or more of the following may be recommended
by your veterinary hospital. For all of these methods, it’s important to use an
actual measuring cup (not an old coffee mug or drinking cup) to keep track of
how much you’re feeding your dog. Feed your dog smaller meals more often. This
helps your dog burn more calories and should help minimize begging for food.
However, don’t feed more food per day. Instead, divide your dog’s daily ration
into three or more feedings. Feed your dog less of its regular food per day.
This strategy is most effective with increased activity. But check first with
your veterinarian to ensure that your dog will receive the right amount of
nutrients. Instead of feeding your dog less, gradually switch him or her to a
lower-calorie food recommended by your veterinarian. The change should be
gradual; a sudden switch could upset your dog’s stomach.
Combine the new food with your dog’s usual
food in larger and larger proportions over several weeks until you are only
providing the new food. Give treats only on special occasions, such as
birthdays, holidays, or good visits to the veterinarian. Offer low-calorie
treats and limit or eliminate fattening ones.
Exercise
You can help your dog become more active
and lose weight by scheduling regular play times and walks. Consult your
veterinarian before beginning an exercise program for your dog. Not all
games/exercise are appropriate for all breeds or medical conditions. For walks,
start out slowly to give your dog a chance to adapt to an exercise routine.
Work up to a brisk 10- to 20-minute walk or jog once or twice a day. On hot or
cold days, go easy or rest. If you don’t have time to walk your dog, hire a dog
walker. Doggy day care centers can also help ensure that your dog gets plenty
of exercise throughout the day. Here are some calorie-burning activities for
your dog:
· Fetch
· Keep away
· Playing with other pets
· Walking or jogging
· Running off leash in a restricted
area
· Swimming (great for arthritic
dogs)
· Tricks for low-calorie treats
· Tug of war
SOURCE:
https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/diseases_conditions/obesity.aspx
