None — Dog Weight Issues
The American Pet Products Association estimates roughly 45.6 million American households have at least one dog. Like humans, many dogs also have weight problems. In fact, researchers estimate roughly 28 percent of American dogs are obese. Obese dogs are more likely to have obese owners. As with people, obesity in dogs is strongly associated with overeating, having too many snacks and a lack of exercise. Certain breeds (like beagles, cocker spaniels, collies, basset hounds, labrador retrievers and golden retrievers) have higher rates of obesity. Neutering/spaying, aging and hormonal disorders also increase the risk for weight gain.
Weight gain can have a negative impact on a dog's health. Dogs are at risk for many of the same conditions associated with obesity in humans, like osteoarthritis, spine problems, heart disease, respiratory problems, insulin problems, diabetes, cancer, compromises in immune function, and increased risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery. In addition, obese dogs are likely to have a shorter lifespan than normal-weight dogs.
Weight Loss for Obese Dogs
Studies show that overweight dogs can benefit from weight loss. An important part of treatment for obese dogs is education for the owner. Matt Putchat, C.V.T., Veterinary Technician at Anwell Veterinary Rehabilitation Center in Quakertown, PA, says many owners are not aware of how much and what to feed their animals, especially when it comes to treats. It's common for owners to feed their pets table scraps. However, Putchat says people should consider that if the food isn't good for humans (like pizza crusts and fat ends from the meat), it's also not good for dogs. Most pets really want attention rather than a treat (with the exception of some chow hound breeds, like beagles). Instead of table food or high calorie dog treats, he recommends carrots, green beans, berries, apples or even a thin strip of cooked chicken.
A second part of the weight loss equation for obese dogs is exercise. Putchat says dogs should generally get a 30 to 60 minute walk every day. Couch potato dogs may have a hard time at first, so increase walking time gradually.
A Doggy Fat Camp
Sometimes an owner needs assistance when trying to help a dog lose weight, especially if the dog has health problems that make exercise difficult. Putchat developed an eight-week weight loss program, called the "Canine Fat Camp."
In the initial assessment, an owner learns how to properly feed his/her dog. Putchat takes a baseline assessment of current activity levels and sets up a scheduled exercise program. The owner must keep a log of daily activities to show they are adhering to the recommendations. Alternative exercise activities, like fetch or playing with a ball, can be used when weather precludes a long walk or when the animal is unable to complete a 30-minute walk.
One part of this canine fat camp is a hydrotherapy (water-filled) tank. The floor of the tank has a dog-sized treadmill. Once the dog is inside, the tank is filled with water. Depending upon the health and stamina of the dog, the water level may be raised high enough to make the dog float, enabling the animal to swim rather an walk. For a dog with arthritis or other joint issues, swimming provides good exercise, but takes the pressure off the joints. The tank may also be filled just enough to enable the dog to be slightly buoyant while walking on the treadmill, which also reduces stress on the joints. With time, as the dog become stronger, the water level can be lowered and the speed of the treadmill can be increased.
Putchat says dogs can often be trained to walk on a human-sized treadmill, enabling an owner to exercise them at home when a regular walk isn't possible. Some dogs can also be trained to balance on therapy balls, building muscle, balance and stretching.
Putchat cautions a weight loss program for a dog needs to involve the whole family. The efforts won't do a pet any good if other members of the family are sneaking table scraps and treats to the dog.
For general information on weight problems or other health issues in pets:
American Veterinary Medical Association StopCanineObesity
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
