Spay Or Neuter Won’t Cause Overweight, Diet And Exercise Weigh Most
Obesity is a nutritional disease defined by excess body fat, and it’s a prevalent issue in pets. A 2018 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) revealed that 56% of pet dogs in the US are overweight.
Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects that could shorten your dog’s lifespan, even if your dog is only moderately overweight.
Canine obesity is associated with several major health issues, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. So maintaining a healthy body weight can offer significant benefits to your dog’s overall quality of life.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk for Becoming Obese?
Dogs that are overfed and those that cannot exercise or tend to retain weight are the most at risk for becoming obese.
While obesity can occur in dogs of all ages, the condition is most commonly seen in middle-aged dogs between 5 and 10. Neutered and indoor dogs also tend to have a higher risk of becoming obese.
What are the symptoms of obesity in dogs?
Below are the primary symptoms or signs that a dog is overweight:
- Weight gain
- Excess body fat
- Inability (or unwillingness) to exercise
- High body condition score
There are several causes of obesity in dogs. It is most commonly caused by an imbalance between energy intake and usage—in other words, the dog eats more calories than it can expend.
Obesity also becomes more common in old age because of the average decrease in a dog's ability to exercise due to arthritis and other conditions.
Offering high-calorie foods, frequent treats and table scraps can exacerbate this condition.
Other common causes include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Insulinoma
- Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease)
- Neutering
Obesity is diagnosed by measuring the dog's body weight and obtaining a body condition score (BCS), which involves assessing the body's fat.
Your veterinarian will do this by examining your dog and feeling its ribs, lumbar area, tail and head. The results are then measured against the BCS chart, and if applicable, compared to the breed standard.
If a dog is obese, it will have an excess body weight of approximately 10-15%. In the 9-point scoring system, dogs with a body condition score greater than seven are considered obese.
How to treat obesity in dogs?
Treatment for obesity focuses on gradual weight loss that is sustainable long-term. This is accomplished by reducing your dog’s caloric intake and increasing their activity levels.
- Treating Obesity Through Diet
Your veterinarian can help create a diet plan, eating schedule and recommended daily calorie intake.
Weight loss food for dogs rich in dietary protein and fiber but low in fat is typically recommended, since dietary protein stimulates metabolism and energy expenditure.
Protein also helps provide a feeling of fullness, so your dog will not feel hungry again shortly after eating. Dietary fiber also helps dogs feel satiated after eating, but unlike protein, contains little energy.
- Treating Obesity Through Exercise
Increasing your dog's physical activity level is vital for successful weight loss. Try leash walking for at least 15-30 minutes, twice a day, and playing games such as fetch. There are plenty of ways to make your walk fun and exciting for both you and your dog.
Before beginning an exercise regimen, check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is free from obesity-related conditions that may hinder exercise, such as arthritis or heart disease.
- Living and Management
Follow-up treatment for obesity includes communicating regularly with your veterinarian, monitoring your dog's weight monthly and establishing a long-term weight maintenance program once your dog's ideal body condition score has been achieved.
With a firm commitment to your dog's healthy weight, you can feel confident that your dog is feeling their best.
