Many people believe a fat dog is happy and jolly—like a four-legged Santa Claus without the red suit and white beard. The truth, however, is far from that image. Like humans, dogs that carry too much weight tire easily, are prone to migrating aches and pains, overheat more quickly during exertion, and are at a higher risk for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Some owners aren’t even aware that their dog is overweight. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell, especially if the dog has an unusually thick coat. As a general rule, for short- to medium-length breeds like a Lab or a German Shepherd, you should be able to see the last two ribs and a waistline that narrows when viewed both from above and from the side. A visible waistline is a good thing, while ribs that show too much might indicate the dog is too thin. For long-haired breeds, like a Malamute or a Golden Retriever, the ribcage should be easily felt through the coat. If you flatten the fur out, you should still see a definite waistline when viewed from above and from the side.
The majority of animals that visit the vet for anything other than routine vaccines are there because of weight-related issues. These issues can be so dangerous that they are potentially life-threatening. Our pets are facing the same weight epidemic as humans, and without intervention, most dogs would eat themselves into a state of near-explosion.
Managing Your Dog’s Weight
There are many weight-loss dog foods on the market, but often the food itself is not the problem—it’s the quantity of food. Reducing the amount of food by a quarter is usually sufficient to see almost immediate changes in weight and an increase in activity levels. For some dogs, however, lowering food intake by a quarter can lead to hunger pangs. To fill their stomachs, they may start exhibiting behaviors that were never an issue before the diet, such as counter surfing, stealing food off kitchen counters, or eating garbage. Again, it’s up to us to secure food and garbage safely away from hungry noses.
If hunger pangs become an issue, and behaviors such as growling around food or snapping at treats begin to develop, try mixing some canned pumpkin into their kibble. The high fiber content of pumpkin helps the food stay in the stomach longer than plain kibble. Another option is to mix their kibble 50/50 with a fiber-formula diet. These diets are often designed for diabetic dogs or those that suffer from chronic constipation (which is usually a weight issue, not a bowel issue). Fiber formulas are low in calories but very filling, allowing your overweight dog to feel satiated without extra calories.
Dogs Need Exercise
Exercise is essential for all dogs. Like us, they require it to live longer, healthier lives. When starting a new exercise routine, moderation is key, especially for overweight dogs, who are at higher risk of injury if they overdo it. Gradually increasing exertion allows muscles, tendons, and ligaments to adapt, helping prevent injuries such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—the same injury often seen in athletes.
Some additional tips include:
- More exercise: Swimming, fetching a ball, agility training, running, or playing with the kids—all forms of movement are beneficial for dogs, just as they are for us.
- Mutual benefits: An added benefit of exercising your dog more is that you too will see the rewards of increased physical activity!
- Cut down on snacks: Reward your dog with low-calorie, high-fiber snacks like carrots and apples, which most dogs love!
- Training treats: If you need treats for training, try soft ones and give only a small portion at a time. For dogs, it’s not the size of the reward but the fact that they received one, so they won’t notice the difference between a morsel and a mouthful.
- Find an exercise buddy: If you have an only dog, find a playmate at the dog park that your dog enjoys running with. Both dogs will benefit from the extra exercise!
After two to three weeks on a program like this, weigh your dog at home using a bathroom scale or visit your veterinary office to use theirs (they’re always happy to see their patients happy and healthy). Alternatively, you can measure around the dog’s widest part using a tape measure.
If, after two to three weeks, your dog hasn’t lost any body fat, make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be hindering your efforts.
