Weight gain is not just a people problem: Too much food and too little exercise equals unwanted pounds for your four-legged friend as well. Most dogs gain weight slowly—like us—until one day you notice that your pet looks a little broad in the beam.
Dogs taking certain medications, such as prednisone and phenobarbital, often develop voracious appetites and will plump up accordingly. But unexplained rapid weight gain or a sudden potbellied appearance signals a problem.
Causes
The most common cause of weight gain is too much chow and not enough exercise—a lifestyle many dogs share. Be aware that older dogs become less active as the years roll by, so they need fewer calories than a younger dog.
You can tell if your dog is packing on the pounds by running your hands over her rib cage. Can you feel individual ribs under a slight covering of fat without pushing too hard? Dog’s waistlines should be visible.
A malfunctioning thyroid gland can lead to weight gain because thyroid hormones regulate metabolism. However, don’t be too quick to blame your dog’s expanding waistline on the thyroid. Your pet needs more thorough diagnostics to determine what exactly is causing her to plump up.
If your dog suddenly develops a potbelly, you’re probably not dealing with weight gain but with a serious medical problem. Many conditions, including bloat, heart or liver disease, cancer, or a ruptured bladder can cause abdominal enlargement—an emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
What you can do at home
It’s easy to unintentionally overfeed your dog. So read the feeding recommendations on your dog’s food or ask your veterinarian for guidelines. And don’t forget to reduce or eliminate between-meal snacks and table scraps. Another strategy: Feed your dog two meals a day rather than giving her continual access to food.
Reduced-calorie, high-fiber diets also can help. Introduce your dog to any new food slowly, and make sure she doesn’t drop those excess pounds too quickly.
Another important step: Get your dog off her fanny by taking walks, tossing a ball, or playing around the house. She’ll lose weight and improve her cardiovascular health at the same time. And you might even drop a few pounds!
When to call the veterinarian
Call immediately if your dog suddenly develops a potbelly. Many conditions associated with rapid abdominal enlargement are life-threatening. Your dog also will need to visit her doctor if she can’t seem to shed those pounds even with diet changes and exercise.
What your veterinarian will do
Your veterinarian will consider your pet’s history and perform a thorough physical exam. The doctor may recommend blood tests and radiographs to detect underlying medical problems. Some conditions need immediate treatment, but others may require a long-term investment of time and care.
If your doctor rules out medical problems, he or she might recommend a weight-reducing diet and offer other weight loss tips. Your paunchy pet may need monthly weigh-ins to track her progress.
Hang in there. Weight loss can be as tough for dogs as it is for people, but the health benefits far outweigh the challenge.
