Obesity is a growing concern among our dogs, with over 50% of dogs in the United States classified as overweight or obese. Our pet's well-being is up to us and having a healthy dog is paramount to having a happy dog!
A chubby, growing puppy is cute; a fat dog is unhealthy!
Sorry, not sorry, this is straight talk and may offend...
What Causes Dog Obesity?
There are several reasons for canine obesity and most are human driven. Among the most prevalent human directed causes are: overfeeding, allowing emotional eating, food as a way of showing affection, humanization of your dog (anthropomorphization), feeding an improper diet, and lack of exercise.
While there is a small segment of identifiable genetic causes, canine genome studies are relatively new. As they continue to advance, new markers are being studied and this will be an ever-broadening facet of dog healthcare in the future.
At this time your vet or breeder will have a better library of knowledge on any genetic risks your dog may inherit. One such risk is a gene mutation called POMC. This plays a significant role in hunger and energy use, and dogs with this mutation will exhibit signs of being hungrier between meals than dogs without this mutated gene. Labrador or flatcoated retriever dogs are more susceptible to this mutation.
What are the Health Issues of Dog Obesity?
The diseases of human obesity parallel those of canine obesity. Obesity in dogs can lead to myriad health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, lipoedema, joint failure, breathing problems, and decreased life expectancy.
In addition, a dog who devours their food, or is overfed, stands a greater risk for bloat or intestinal torsion, which are most often fatal.
Pancreatitis is oftentimes associated with a dog being overweight, but also can be traced back to poor dietary choices (greasy foods, items they should not be consuming, etc). Watching a dog suffer a pancreatitis attack is heart-wrenching and once you've witnessed it, you'll do all you can to avoid a dog developing this condition!
How Can Dog Obesity be Prevented and Treated?
Preventing and treating dog obesity requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost in preventing obesity, it is essential to provide your dog with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs without excess calories. There are many high-quality foods on the market--and recipes for home prepared meals--please provide your dog with the best you can afford.
Regular exercise is also crucial in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting overall well-being. Our dogs descend from natural pack animals who were accustomed to roaming and hunting their food source. When your dog's daily exercise is the 15' trek to the food bowl, that's not going to cut it!
Creating a healthy exercise routine will actually benefit both you and your dog, as well as create a stronger bond between you.
NOTE: it is best practice to not feed your dog within 1 hour (minimum 30 min) either side of exercise to help minimize bloat or torsion.
While veterinarians receive little in terms of nutritional education, they are our standard resource for developing a weight management plan tailored to your dog's specific needs.
However, for truly expert advice, seek the services, or research books written by a canine nutritionist.
You can also do additional research, utilizing the knowledge of those who sell high-quality foods, the internet, and other dog owners.
What are the Cures for Dog Obesity?
While there is no quick fix for dog obesity, it is entirely possible to help your furry friend achieve a healthy weight with dedication and consistency.
The first and easiest change is to avoid feeding your dog inappropriate foods. We all love our dogs and want them to be happy, but don't fall for the puppy eyes...they really do not need the sweets we consume! Some dogs are happy with a couple frozen peas, a bit of carrot, or some freeze-dried meal toppers as a treat.
Talk with your vet to create and implement a structured weight loss plan. Through lifestyle and dietary adjustments, with follow-up health checks, you can improve your dog's quality of life and reduce the risk of obesity-related issues.
Remember, a healthy weight is key to a happy and active life for your canine companion. By understanding the causes of dog obesity and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure a long and vibrant future for your beloved pet.
