If your dog's lost his girlish figure, he's not alone. Obesity, or excessive body fat accumulation, is the most common nutritional disease of dogs. In fact, an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent of U.S. dogs are overweight.
A dog is obese when he weighs 15 percent more than his optimal body weight. (Your veterinarian can determine your dog's optimal weight.) The rule of thumb: You shouldn't clearly see your dog's ribs, but you should feel them under a slight covering of fat, and you should see a defined waistline.
Your dog's fat cells develop early in life, and the numbers increase as your young animal overeats. Once the fat cells develop, they never go away.
Dogs overeat when owners allow them to overeat. Simply dishing out too much chow for your dog at mealtime is usually the problem. Between-meal snacks and table scraps also contribute to a portly dog. The result: Your dog may develop obesity-related health problems.
When the musculoskeletal system bears excessive weight day in and day out, joint and locomotion problems can arise, including arthritis, spinal injury, and torn knee ligaments. Obesity also leads to respiratory trouble, high blood pressure, heart disease, fertility problems, liver abnormalities, skin problems, and even cancer. The bottom line: Obesity shortens the duration and quality of your dog's life.
Risk factors and detection
Obesity becomes more common as dogs age and physical activity and lean body mass decrease. Obesity affects more females than males up to 12 years of age, and it's about twice as common in neutered pets. Dog breeds predisposed to obesity include Labrador retrievers, Cairn terriers, Cocker spaniels, Dachshunds, Shetland sheepdogs, Basset hounds, and Beagles. Dog breeds least likely to become obese are German shepherds, Greyhounds, Yorkshire terriers, Doberman pinschers, Staffordshire terriers, Whippets, Boxers, and Sealyham terriers.
Prevention and treatment
When you adopt a puppy, take a preventive approach to obesity by selecting an appropriate food, following the veterinarian's feeding recommendations, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, and monitoring your dog's weight regularly.
With free-choice feeding, many dogs consume only what they need for the day. You set out the food, and the dog eats whenever and however much he wants. However, some dogs overeat and need a more regimented eating schedule.
When embarking on a weight loss program, ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate weight loss diet, feeding schedule, and exercise program. He or she may recommend a high-fiber, calorie-restricted diet and structured mealtimes. (Fiber creates a feeling of fullness, or satiety.) Your veterinarian also will perform a physical exam and blood tests to make sure your dog's weight gain isn't a result of metabolic disease, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome. During the exam, be sure to mention any other behavioral changes, such as increased thirst or urination.
Unlike humans, dogs can't use weight loss drugs. They must stick with the tried-and-true methods of consuming fewer calories and exercising more.
Remember, your dog didn't become obese overnight. It will take time and diligence to achieve those weight loss goals.
