OBESITY IN DOGS

The accumulation of excess body fat to the point of affecting the dog’s ability to move, its health and the quality of its life constitutes obesity in dogs. Obesity is one of the most common nutrition-related health problems seen in companion animals and typically develops gradually over time. Due to an increase in food intake and a decrease in physical activity, this type of problem will develop in a slow manner over a period of time.

As the weight gain occurs gradually, many pet owners do not realize there is a problem until later stages. Moderate levels of obesity can result in substantial stress on all joints, the heart, lungs, etc. Therefore, if left unmanaged, it may also shorten the animal’s lifespan and lead to chronic health problems.

Causes

Obesity occurs in dogs when their daily calorie consumption exceeds the amount of calories their body burns consistently. More often than not, obesity is linked to lifestyle and eating habits, rather than an individual disease.

Overeating is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs and many times, overeating will occur through being fed excessively large amounts at meals, receiving multiple treats throughout the day, or eating table scraps.

Dogs that are not regularly exercised are another group that has a high risk for developing obesity, especially if they live indoors or do not have a sufficient opportunity to walk.

Neutering or spaying can contribute to weight gain by altering hormone levels, which may reduce metabolic rate and increase appetite.

Another factor is age; senior dogs typically develop decreased physical activity. Although rare, obesity may sometimes result from underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease.

Symptoms

Generally speaking, obesity in dogs can be detected by changes to their physical appearance as well as an obvious decrease in active movement.

• A loss of the abdominal waistline and a rounder body profile
• The ribs are difficult to feel beneath the layer of body fat
• Fat accumulation on the abdomen (belly), chest area and base of the dog’s tail
• Becomes tired easily and may be reluctant to participate in physical activity
• Difficulty climbing stairs, jumping, or completing longer walks
• Reduced stamina and exercise tolerance
• Some dogs may exhibit mild shortness of breath while exercising.

Risks

Excess body weight has an impact on almost every system in the body of a dog and can result in many health issues.

Excess body weight places continuous strain on the joints, increasing the risk of arthritis, ligament injuries and chronic discomfort. It also puts increased pressure on the heart and lungs, making it difficult to sustain normal activity and circulate oxygen.

Dogs that have excess body weight have an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus. Dogs with excess body weight often cannot tolerate heat well and when the weather is hot, they become even more at risk. Ultimately, excess body weight decreases mobility, comfort and life expectancy.

Diagnosis

Excess body weight is diagnosed by veterinarians through a combination of a physical exam and a structured assessment tool. The Body Condition Score (BCS) method is used most frequently to measure the degree of fat cover over the ribcage, back and abdominal area, allowing veterinarians to decide if your dog is underweight, ideal weight, overweight or obese.

Vets will look at total body weight, muscle condition and how the fat is distributed. At times, vets will perform a series of blood tests or do additional testing to confirm that no existing medical issue is causing the excessive body weight.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is slow, controlled weight loss with diet modification, exercise and routine evaluation.

Diet Management

Dogs are often transitioned to a calorie controlled diet that is higher in protein and fiber to help maintain satiety while reducing overall calorie intake. It is necessary for portion management, as well as to eliminate free feeding or frequent treat giving.

Exercise Plan

Gradual introduction of physical activity is made according to how fit the dog is. Recommended activities may include regular walks, controlled play sessions, and other low-impact exercises. For dogs who are very obese, an increase in activity needs to occur at a slow pace so as not to damage joints and cause cardiac issues.

Throughout the entire treatment process, veterinary supervision is needed to make sure weight loss occurs safely and steadily. Weight loss must not happen too quickly because this can result in significant muscle loss along with several other potential complications.

Prevention

Preventing your pet from becoming obese is far easier than treating a pet that has become overweight or obese. In most cases, it simply boils down to establishing and maintaining daily routines for food and activity.

• Feed controlled amounts (measured) rather than allowing free feeding
• Treats should be limited and table scraps are best avoided
• Daily regular walks should be established
• Weight monitoring through routine vet visits
• Dietary adjustments may be necessary after neutering and as dogs age.

Maintaining consistency in diet and activity is the key factor in long-term weight control.