Dog Health – Fighting Obesity
Like humans our pampered dogs are also getting fat, with some estimates putting the level of obesity amongst dogs around 25%. It is accepted that being clinically obese can lead to medical problems in humans, and this too is true for our dogs too.
Obese dogs experience fatigue, exercise intolerance and heat intolerance leading to a poor overall quality of life.
The fight with obesity begins from finding out if your dog is overweight or obese. Well there is no set rule of what is overweight and what is not because there is so much variation between and within breeds. As a thumb rule you should be able to feel the ribs of your dog easily by gently stroking the side of the chest with your fingertips. You should also be able to just feel the tips of the vertebrae jutting out along the spine as you stroke him/her from head to tail. If they are not palpable then your dog is likely to be obese.
Examination
Take your pet to the vet to have a thorough physical examination, lab tests, and an accurate weight recorded. The main purpose of this visit is to rule out hypothyroidism or other metabolic disorders which can prevent normal weight loss.
Controlled Diet
Feed smaller portions i.e. feed less food than you have been.
Low Calories Diet
Change the type of food to a low calorie complete diet. These diets, e.g. Low fat ProPac, provide less calories than regular pet foods do despite the portion being the same size. As a result your dog’s stomach is filled to the same degree and he does not feel hungry.
Exercise
Take your dog for longer and more regular walks to burn off calories.
Monitor Weight
Take weigh of your dog at monthly intervals to assess your weight loss progress. If possible keep a chart so you can visualize how you are doing, with the target weight marked clearly. Your vet will be able to suggest an appropriate target weight.Reduce the total daily amount fed if weight gain or no weight loss is noted.
Once your pet is at an ideal weight, adjust the total amount fed so that his or her body weight remains stable.
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