Ed- Obesity

[Gina Heitz <brier@oregonsbest.com>]

More of Auntie Ellen's work.  Uh some of you disregard
the human food slams.  Ellen is a dog food feeder and part of the
western vet community.  Not a slam but those who feed raw will
understand my notation. :-)  I really like the part about how to
feel your dog for condition. 


Obesity

Obesity is defined as existing when the animal's body weight exceeds the
optimum for that individual by 15% or more.  It is the single most
common nutritional disorder seen in companion animals.  It is
estimated that roughly 40% of all dogs are obese.  It occurs more
often with advancing age and in spayed/neutered animals.  There is
an additional 20-30% of dogs who are considered overweight, meaning that
they are above the optimum weight, but not by 15%.  Let me tell you
that from personal experience, these numbers are very true, if not lower
than they should be.  The vast majority of pets we see at the clinic
where I work are fat. 

While there can be other factors, such as a hereditary thyroid problem,
obesity in dogs is most often caused by too much food and too little
exercise.  Although many pets are simply overfed, often the amount
of dog food is quite acceptable, however the pizza crusts, leftover
mashed potatoes and gravy, bacon drippings, and other human treats,
usually extremely high in fat, add up to a lot of calories.  Unless
the activity level is also increased, it doesn't take long for dogs to
become obese.

There are many health risks associated with obesity in pets.  Obese
pets have much higher incidences of skeletal problems due to an increase
in pressure on joints.  If problems such as Hip Dysplasia, OCD,
Degenerative Joint Disease, and Inter-vertebral Disc Disease exist, they
can be much more severe in obese dogs.  Like in humans, cardiac
problems can be a significant risk.  The incidence of diabetes is
much higher in overweight pets.  In breeding animals, obesity can
cause reproductive problems.  Studies in both humans and animals
have concluded that obesity shortens life.

Checking your dog's body condition is easy to do.  While the dog is
in a standing position, place your thumbs on the spine and use your
fingers to feel for ribs.  If you can easily feel the ribs, then
your dog is probably fine.  If you can feel fat between the ribs and
the skin, your pet is overweight.  If you can't feel ribs at all,
your pet is obese.  If you suspect that your dog is overweight,
please verify this with your veterinarian, especially if there is a
sudden weight gain.  There are some medical conditions that can make
your pet appear obese when in fact they are not.  There are also
some conditions that can cause obesity and you will not be able to reduce
your dog's weight without medical treatment.  

Treatment of overweight dogs is fairly simple, you need to decrease
caloric intake while increasing activity level.  Most of the time,
decreasing the amount of dog food fed and eliminating people food and
doggy treats are sufficient to get the weight off.  However, some
dogs may require more drastic measures and you should discuss with your
veterinarian how to proceed. (Please also remember that the guidelines
for feeding on dog food bags and cans are often way too much food for the
average pet.  Feed according to your dog's condition, not by what
the bag says.)

Hounds seem to be a particular challenge for many pet owners.  Those
big brown eyes and that pleading expression seem to allow hounds to beg
for food far more efficiently than other breeds.  There is a reason
that there is a Beagle on a huge number of diet foods! If you really need
to give your dog treats, try healthy treats, like carrots, green beans,
and other raw veggies.  Or break your dog cookies up and give a
smaller piece each time.  Dogs like to get a treat, they don't care
how big or small it is.  You and your hound will have a longer life
together if he/she is in good shape.  Your pet will be happier and
healthier being the correct weight, honestly!