Did you know that over half of our canine companions are obese or overweight? Fido of course still looks absolutely adorable if he is carrying some extra pounds. Unfortunately, he’ll be at increased risk of developing many medical conditions. Obesity is a massive health risk for Man’s Best Friend, just as it is for people. Read on as a local Pine Mountain Club, CA vet discusses canine obesity.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Obesity In Dogs?
In many cases, you can tell that a dog is overweight just by looking at him. If Fido is, well, round, there’s a pretty good chance that you have a furry chonker on your hands. However, in some cases—particularly with fluffy dogs—it isn’t going to be as obvious. Your vet would of course be the main source of information here. However, there are some markers.
One way to test it yourself at home is to try and feel Fido’s ribs. If you can’t feel his ribs at all, or can just barely feel them under a thick layer of fat, your canine pal could probably stand to drop a few pounds. If you can feel them under a bit of muscle and fat, Fido is likely at or near his ideal weight. If they are protruding, your pup may be underweight.
There are also some behavioral clues. You may also notice that your pet has a round face, is losing his enthusiasm for walks, exercise, and playtime, and/or seems more tired than usual. He may also struggle getting in and out of cars, and his belly could look pretty round. Keep in mind that even a few extra pounds can make a big difference.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Obese?
No surprises here: if your canine companion is on the chubby side, you’ll need to take steps to help him slim down. As with people, that means reducing calories and increasing exercise.
As far as the calorie counts go, portion control will go a long way here. Even giving your canine companion just 100 calories too much each day can cause him to gain a pound a month. Ten extra calories a day is about a pound a year. Even that can be a lot for a small dog!
One thing that can help a lot is measuring your pet’s food. You may want to pick up a measuring cup and keep it with Fido’s food. Pet food labels usually do have servings sizes, but keep in mind that these are very general. It’s best to get some specific recommendations from your Pine Mountain Club, CA vet.
The other part of a good doggy weight loss routine is exercise. Fido’s doggy workout regimen should be customized according to his size, age, weight, health, and preferences. What is a suitable activity regimen for a German Shepherd would be extremely dangerous for a Chihuahua, and what may work for a Beagle isn’t going to be right for a Border Collie.
Walks, of course, are fine for any dog. However, when it comes to things like running, jumping, and swimming, you’ll need to be careful. Brachycephalic pups, like pugs, should never be encouraged to overexert themselves. Because they have such short air passages, this can cause them to quickly lose their breath. Running and swimming are both off the table for these guys.
Ask your Pine Mountain Club, CA vet for specific tips.
What Dog Breeds Are Most Likely To Become Obese?
We also probably don’t have to tell you that most of our canine companions are very, very fond of food. However, while any dog can become obese, some breeds are a bit more prone to packing on extra pounds than others are.
Here is a list of pooches that are likely to be, well, on the chubby side:
- Pug
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- Dachshund
- Cocker Spaniel
- Bulldogs
- Basset Hound
- Rottweiler
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Boxer
- German Shepherd
- Border Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Newfoundland
- Scottish Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- West Highland White Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Keep in mind that Fido’s chances of becoming obese will increase over time. Dogs slow down as they get older, just as people do. Lifestyle also has a lot to do with it. Some pups are just naturally more active than others.
What Are The Risks Of Obesity In Dogs?
You’re most likely familiar with the ramifications that obesity comes with many of the same risks for dogs as it does for people.
Here are some of the main ones:
- Heart Problems
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- High Blood Pressure
- Respiratory Disease
- ACL Tears
- Skin Conditions
- Reproductive Issues
- Trouble With Anesthesia
That’s really just the tip of the iceberg. That extra weight can also increase Fido’s risks of developing certain cancers. It can also considerably shorten his lifespan. Ask your Bakersfield, CA vet for more information.
How Long Do Obese Dogs Live?
Even just being ten percent over your ideal weight can take as much as a third off Fido’s life expectancy. There is some variation here, though. Size definitely plays a role. Obesity seems to have a more drastic effect on the lifespans of small dogs than it does large ones. One study found that obesity decreased the lifespan of a Yorkie Terrier by two and a half years!
Are Overweight Dogs In Pain?
Those extra pounds may not be painful in and of themselves, but they can cause pain indirectly. Joint pain is one of the big issues here. That extra weight means extra work for Fido’s musculoskeletal system. This will only be exacerbated over time.
Can I Give My Dog Treats?
We really can’t discuss doggy obesity without talking about treats. Treats actually are beneficial for Fido in several ways, aside from just getting that cute tail going. They’re great for bonding, are super helpful in training, and can also help a pup feel safe and secure as he settles into a new home. However, this is one area where too much of a good thing is not good at all.
Treats should only make up about five percent of your canine pal’s daily caloric intake. If you like to give your pet treats just as a way to pamper him, use smaller ones, such as training treats. Fido will still get that extra boost of yumminess, but without as many calories.
Begging also comes into play here. Many pups have their humans pretty much wrapped around their paws! You might need to steel yourself against that sad, soulful stare. Or, if you absolutely can’t resist Fido’s adorable doggy theatrics, pull the old switcheroo on your pup, and give him a carrot instead of that hot dog he’s angling for.
You’ll also want to stick with safe, suitable treats. Store-bought ones are fine, but take a look at the ingredients list. If you see a lot of fillers, such as corn syrup, or if the product has a huge list of unpronounceable/unidentifiable ingredients, it probably isn’t the best quality.
Make An Appointment At Our Pine Mountain Club, CA Pet Clinic
Do you have questions about your dog’s diet or care? Please feel free to contact us, your local Pine Mountain Club, CA animal clinic, anytime. We are dedicated to offering great care!
