Battling Canine Obesity
Canine obesity is one of the largest health issues faced by Veterinarians. Approximately, 35-40% of dogs seen in clinics today are suffering from a weight related issue.
Problems seen with the excessive weight include:
Arthritis and Disc Disease
Arthritis and Disc DiseaseRespiratory Difficulty
Respiratory DifficultyHeart Disease
Heart DiseaseHypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)Diabetes
DiabetesFatty Liver Disease
Fatty Liver DiseaseSkin Problems
Skin ProblemsUrinary Tract Disease
Urinary Tract DiseaseHypothyroidism
HypothyroidismCushing’s or Addison’s Disease
Cushing’s or Addison’s DiseaseThese pets are also intolerant to temperature changes and at risk for heat stroke. They are also high anesthetic risks since their bodies simply don’t metabolize anesthesia the same as pets with normal fat distribution.
Common Causes Leading to Obesity:
Overfeeding your dog
Overfeeding your dogFree choice feeding your dog
Free choice feeding your dogGiving your dog table scraps
Giving your dog table scrapsHigh calorie treats
High calorie treatsPoor quality dog food
Poor quality dog foodCompetitive eating in multi-dog households
Competitive eating in multi-dog households Limited Exercise
Limited ExercisePfizer Animal Health has established a great test to determine your pet’s tendency towards obesity. It is called BARC (Body Assessment Rating for Canines). You can click their link to take the test
What you can do to combat your dog’s obesity:
Measure your pet’s food
Measure your pet’s foodDon’t free choice feed
Don’t free choice feedOffer a good quality dog food (Ask your Veterinarian for help)
Offer a good quality dog food (Ask your Veterinarian for help)Offer only low fat dog treats
Offer only low fat dog treatsAdd bulk to your dog’s diet with green beans, carrots, and apples
Add bulk to your dog’s diet with green beans, carrots, and applesGet regular exercise for your pet
Get regular exercise for your petAsk your Veterinarian about drugs that may help (Slentrol)
Ask your Veterinarian about drugs that may help (Slentrol)Remember that exercise and play are essential to your pet’s fitness. You should be cautious when starting any exercise program (especially if your pet is overweight and out of shape). Work up gradually to a long walk with short frequent walks. Slowly increase the intensity of exercise. This will avoid undo stress on your dog’s heart and lungs. It will also help avoid any muscle strain or pain. Be sure the exercise you do with your pet is fun…for both of you!
See more on Canine Obesity at The Dog Channel web-site, click HERE
Body Assessment Rating for Canines
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