Obesity in Dogs

Obesity in dogs is an enormous problem today. An estimated 20-40 percent of dogs in developed countries are overweight or obese. In the United States some 17 million dogs are considered overweight or obese. That is about a quarter of the population of owned dogs.

Canine obesity can shorten your dog's life. It can lead to diabetes mellitus, damage to joints, bones and ligaments; heart disease and increased blood pressure; difficulty breathing; decreased stamina; decreased liver function; increased surgical and anesthetic risk; reproductive problems; digestive disorders (including flatulence); decreased immune function; skin and coat problems; increased risk of cancer; and decreased quality and length of life.

In most cases the cause of obesity in dogs is overfeeding. People give their dogs too much food. Or they feed their dogs the wrong kind of food for the dog's lifestyle. They provide sedentary dogs with food for active, working dogs. They feed their dogs too many high calorie treats. They add in extra food in addition to the dog's regular meals. Or, on a related note, they don't let their dog get enough exercise for the amount of food they are feeding.

Basically, dogs become overweight for the same reasons as people and it is just as unhealthy for them.

There are many things you can do to help your dog lose weight. No one wants to see a skinny dog but, ideally, you want your dog to be a good weight and have good muscle tone. You should feel your dog's body. Can you feel an ribs? You should be able to feel ribs without seeing them. You don't want to feel rolls of fat or flab. And, when your dog walks he shouldn't roll or waddle.

You can start by evaluating your dog's food. Are you feeding your dog a proper food? Does your dog get enough exercise for the food you are feeding him? If you are feeding your dog a high protein food does your dog get enough exercise to run off the energy in the food? It may be a good idea to look for a food that says it's for All Life Stages or Maintenance. Your overweight dog probably doesn't need a food that says it's for Performance dogs.

There is some debate over whether you should feed Weight Management foods to dogs seeking to lose weight or not. Some experts believe that these foods leave a dog feeling hungry and that you end up feeding more of the food or supplementing it with snacks.

Once you have decided if you are feeding your dog the proper food you should see if you are feeding the proper amounts. If you are feeding the amount recommended on the bag's label you are probably overfeeding your dog. Most dog food company feeding recommendations are overly generous and will result in obese dogs. You should feed your dog as much as he will eat in five-ten minutes and then put his bowl or pan up. You can divide his meal up into two or three small feedings per day. This is usually better for dogs than one large meal and will help dogs who are trying to lose weight. Your dog will have something to look forward to.

Your dog can still have snacks but you should try to make them healthy, low calorie snacks. You can give your dogs carrots or popcorn as snacks. Most dogs like both of these foods as treats and you can give your dog all he wants. Avoid fattening peanut butter snacks and high calorie dog cookies.

If you are trying the new diet and your dog is staring at you like you're starving him you can add something like cooked green beans to his dog food (no bacon or other fatty seasonings). Green beans and other veggies will help your dog feel full without adding a lot of calories.

Of course, dogs can't lose weight as fast as humans. Don't try to make your dog lose more than two percent of his body weight per week. That may only be a few ounces. Slow and steady weight loss will lead to healthy changes. Once your dog is on the proper diet and the both of you forming healthy habits your dog will soon be looking and feeling much better.

Your dog can overcome obesity but he can't do it without your help. You control his food. If you want your best friend to live a long and healthy life it's up to you to manage his food and his eating habits. Make healthy choices for your dog and you'll both be happier.