Obesity in Dogs

Obesity is one of the fastest growing health concerns seen in pets visiting our hospital today.

Obesity can lead to a variety of diseases and complications in dogs, as it can in people. In a 2008 study, it was estimated that 44% of U.S. dogs were overweight or obese. That’s approximately 33 million dogs in the U.S. alone!

There are many reasons a dog can become overweight. The reasons are often the same as in you and I: improper diet and lack of exercise. Weight gain can sometimes be a symptom of some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland) or Cushing’s syndrome (increased adrenal hormone) in dogs. An injury that requires that a dog is exercise restricted can lead to weight gain. Finally, genetic predisposition is a big factor. Certain breeds are more prone to obesity than others, such as English Bulldogs, Beagles, Dachshunds, Pugs, Dalmatians and Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers.

Obesity is dangerous in our dogs because it can lead to a number of health problems. It may also affect an existing health issue in a negative way. The following diseases and disorders may be caused or worsened by obesity:

• Cardiac disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Orthopedic injuries (such as cruciate ligament rupture or patellar luxation)
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory disorders
• Various forms of cancer

Dogs come in so many different shapes and sizes. Even within the same breed you can see many different varieties. This can make it hard to determine an ideal weight for your dog.  You can sometimes notice signs of obesity in a dog, but sometimes it sneaks up on you. Gradual weight gain is not as noticeable when you see your dog on a daily basis.

Due to the high variability of normal weights in dogs, weight in pets is evaluated using a Body Condition Score (BCS). There are several of them out there, the best one evaluates your pet on a scale of 1/9 to 9/9, with 4/9 or 5/9 being “ideal weight.”

There are some simple things that you can do at home to determine if your dog is close to his ideal weight.

Running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, you should be able to palpate the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat. Inability to feel the ribs is a sign of an overweight dog.

Looking at your dog from the side, you should be able to see the upward tuck of the abdomen. An overweight dog will have very little or no tuck at the waist.

Viewing your dog from above, there should be a moderate narrowing at the waist just  behind the ribcage. A straight or bulging line from the ribcage to the hips indicates an overweight dog.

You should have your pet in to The Pet Doctor every 6 – 12 months for a physical examination and evaluation. This is the best way for your vet to detect changes before there is a serious problem. Tracking BCS for your pet can help you to notice changes.

If your dog needs to lose weight, or you just want to maintain his healthy weight, The Pet Doctor can work with you to develop a weight management program. That program will consist mainly of a structured diet and an exercise plan. We will help you set up goals and schedule times for quick check-ups and weigh-ins to monitor your dog’s progress. 

Another way to boost your dog’s weight loss plan is to get involved with agility or another dog sport. You will be working with experts who want your dog to succeed but will not push him. In addition to losing weight, your dog will have a fun new skill.

A diet change is often needed to help an overweight pet get back to his ideal weight. 

Dog food and treats that are high in calories may be the cause, along with giving your pet “people food”. We can help you choose the right food for your dog.

Even healthy food and treats will lead to weight gain if given in excess. Allowing your dog to “free feed” by leaving a full bowl out all day is not a good idea, especially in a multiple dog household. Establish two or three set mealtimes per day. Use a measured scoop to give only the recommended amount of food. Feeding instructions on bags are general and may not be appropriate for your dog, so ask us to help you determine the right amount.

Treats should never make up more than ten percent of your dog’s diet, and that percentage should be decreased for weight loss. You will also need to change the type of treat you feed. Shop for dog treats that are low in calories. You can also give small pieces of carrots and apples as treats – many dogs really love them and think that they are getting a special treat because these are foods that they see you eat.

Your dog is also going to need more exercise to lose weight. If you do not already walk your dog daily for a specific period of time, start now. Schedule times to play fetch or tug-of-war if your dog can handle such games. If you have an exercise schedule, increase the frequency and difficulty if possible – this will be good for you, too. The most important thing is to make a commitment to a plan and stick with it.

Your dog will be happy to be getting more exercise and attention, and they will joyfully await their scheduled exercise sessions. However, dogs that are very overweight and out-of-shape may pose a challenge. Some dogs will simply stop in the middle of a walk, refusing to continue. This is probably because they are winded and/or in pain. To be safe, stay close to home and keep a slower pace. These dogs benefit from several short walks a day rather than one or two long ones.

When you come in for a weight management consultation at The Pet Doctor, we can give you guidance in choosing the right food and treats, the proper amount to feed, and which exercises will be safe for your dog.