Preventing Obesity in Pet Dogs

Obesity kills dogs by predisposing them to lethal conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. According to a 2004 study done by Nestle Purina, dogs that keep to an ideal body weight live up to 15% longer, or an average of two years, than obese dogs. But an estimated 40% of America's pet dogs are obese, according to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

As any dieter can confirm, losing weight is far more difficult than not gaining extra weight in the first place. When it comes to your dog's health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - literally as well as metaphorically. Knowing your dog's ideal body shape and what could cause him to pack on the pounds can help you and your vet map out a strategy of obesity prevention.

Obesity Causes

According to "The Adopted Dog Bible" there are three main causes of why dogs get overweight. These are genetics, hormone problems and the most common cause '" too much food and not enough exercise.

Some dog breeds are genetically programmed to have appetites deeper than the Mariana Trench. These breeds include, but are not limited to, beagles, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Bassett hounds and dachshunds. These dogs need their calories restricted since puppy-hood. They need plenty of exercise, low-calorie treats and regular weight checks. They also need everyone in the household and kind-hearted neighbors to not sneak snacks to the dog. Dogs excel at training people to feed them - even when they're not hungry.

Ideal Body Shape

Another cause for obesity in pet dogs is that owners may not recognize that Fido is fat. Fat dogs are cute, probably because puppies are cute and healthy puppies are chubby. Ask your veterinarian what your dog's ideal body weight should be. If you know your dog's breed or mix of breeds, do research on what the average weight ranges of these dogs are.

While your dog is standing up, look down at your dog's hips. Can you see a definite waist? If so, then chances are your dog is at an ideal weight. But if the dog resembles a sausage, then weight loss is in order.

How Prevention Helps

My British mongrel Pony came down with an attack of acute pancreatitis. Keeping her on a diet and preventing her from getting obese helps prevent attacks. Pony loved fast food. So did I. But after Pony's pancreatitis attack, no more fast food - for both Pony and myself. Pony begs quietly with sad eyes and sighs that are very hard to resist. It was easier for me to cut out fast food than to face eating it while knowing Pony was begging. I also lost some weight. I need to be healthy to take care of my dog.

References

"Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Debra M. Eldredge, DVM. Howell Book House; 2007.

"The Adopted Dog Bible." Kim Saunders, et al. Harper Paperbacks, 2009.

Pet Place. "Is Your Dog Too Fat?" Dr. Dawn Ruben. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/is-your-dog-too-fat-2/page1.aspx