Is your dog overweight? Statistics show that over 40% of dogs in the United States are overweight; however, the percentage of owners who think their dog is overweight is significantly lower than 40%.
Quick Tests
Here are two quick tests to determine whether your dog is carrying more weight than he or she should: When you run your hands along your dog's ribcage, can you feel his or her ribs? You should be able to clearly feel the ribs and be able to count the number as you move your hands along your dog's body. Secondly, run your hands along your dog's side, does he or she have a 'waist' - does the body tuck in before the hips? If there's a straight line from his hips to his shoulders, your dog is probably overweight.
What does your vet say?
Your veterinarian is the best place to check to see if your pet would benefit from weight loss. Your discussion with them will also help you to understand how to help a overweight dog lose weight. Be sure that your dog is also examined for any other medical conditions that could be causing weight gain.
If your vet feels that your dog is overweight, they will probably ask you a few questions regarding frequency of exercise, amount and type of food eaten and other foods given as treats. Be as honest as you can. Often times, there are others in the house that may be sneaking snacks. And don't forget that all of those treats each time the dog goes out add up and often aren't counted as "food".
Misconceptions regarding obesity.
1. Healthy dogs do not need to eat every day. Do not encourage your pet to eat if it isn’t interested. If you provide a good quality food and plenty of water, your pet will eat when it wants to.
2. Another common myth is that spaying or neutering causes obesity. The sugrical procedure may slightly slow the pet’s metabolism, as will normal aging. Remember, surgery doesn’t cause the weight gain, eating too much does and you control that.
3. Table scraps are ok in moderation. Besides possible allergies to "human" food, table scraps can be hard to monitor as to the quality or quantity.
How to help shed those pounds
If you have determined that your dog's weight problem is due to over feeding and not enough exercise, draw up a plan for feeding and exercising and stick to it consistently until he's lost the weight he needs to.
Like humans, it's better if the weight comes off slowly and adopting a healthier lifestyle is likely to be more successful than putting your dog on a crash diet and/or giving him some of the new weight loss medications that are now available.
And lets face it, most people could use a better diet and more exercise anyway. Why not make it a goal for both of you!
Your veterinarian will be able to help with you with how much food to feed your dog. Some vets do not recommend "Reduced Calorie" or "Light Diets"! These dog foods have low fat levels to reduce the calories but by necessity have increased the carbohydrate percentages. This increased carbohydrate stimulates additional Insulin secretion which tells the body to store unused calories as fat!
Get everyone involved.
Another important tip is to get everyone’s cooperation in restricting the pet’s intake. There is usually someone in the household who feels sorry for the dieting pet and usually gives in with that “I’m hungry” or “boy, does that look good” look. If they want to really help, it would be best to take the dog on a extra walk, or throw that ball around in the back yard.
Helping your dog lose weight is hard work - but it's worth it. Your dog’s energy level will be back to normal and it’s really better not to carry on those extra pounds.
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