Text: Jana Jankelow
Obesity is a massive global problem and is the number one health problem faced by pets today.
What is obesity?
Obesity is an accumulation of excess body fat. As extra body fat causes an increase in body weight, weight can be used to determine whether a dog is overweight or obese, and this is easier than measuring body fat. Using body weight as a guide, dogs are considered overweight when they weigh 10-20% above their ideal body weight. They are considered obese when they weigh more than 20% above their ideal body weight.
Previously, fat was considered relatively inactive tissue, simply storing excess calories and adding to body weight. However, scientific evidence now reveals that fat tissue is biologically active. It secretes inflammatory hormones and causes oxidative stress in the body’s tissue, contributing to many diseases. This low-grade inflammation is why obese dogs develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, breathing difficulties, osteoarthritis, bladder stones, and anaesthetic complications.
What are the risks posed by obesity?
Obesity shortens a dog’s life and makes them more likely to develop disease. It was always accepted that heavy dogs lived a shorter life than lean dogs, usually by 6-12 months. But a large lifetime study of Labrador Retrievers has found that being even moderately overweight can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by nearly two years compared to their leaner counterparts.
How can I tell if my dog is obese?
The very first step in dealing with an overweight or obese dog is to recognise and acknowledge that there is a problem. Unfortunately, we are inundated with images in the media of overweight dogs, making it difficult to know what normal looks like. Your veterinarian can assist with an assessment.
Rib coverage is not only an important measurement to help you identify if your dog is overweight, but it is also easy for you to do at home, on your own. If you hold your hand palm down and feel your knuckles with the flats of the fingers on the opposite hand, this is how your dog’s ribs should feel just behind the shoulder blades. As this is so easy to do at home, it is also a good measure of weight loss between weigh-ins at the vet.
Your vet will provide an estimated ideal body weight to use as a target. They must then do regular body condition assessments to ensure progress is being made toward normal body weight and body condition. Most veterinary practices use a body condition scoring system on a scale of either 1-5 (where 3 is ideal) or 1-9 (where 5 is ideal).
Note: Some broader, more muscular breeds can hide excess weight fairly easily. So, if your pet does not have an ideal body condition or if you are unsure, we strongly advise that you visit your vet to do a full weight and body condition check. They will make an accurate weight assessment and offer the best advice to help your dog reach his ideal weight.
What leads to weight gain?
The following factors can lead to weight gain:
- Activity level: Weight gain most commonly occurs when dogs eat too many calories and don’t exercise enough.
- Age: Older pets are usually less active and need fewer calories, so weight gain is more common in older dogs.
- Neutering: While it’s the responsible thing to do, the procedure alters the dogs’ metabolisms, making them prone to weight gain.
- Breed: Some breeds are more likely to gain weight, including Labradors, Rottweilers, Beagles, Spaniels, Dachshunds and Pugs.
- Disease: Obesity may indicate other diseases, such as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) or Cushing’s disease (overactive adrenal glands).
How do I adjust my dog’s meals to help him lose weight?
Once you have identified that your dog is overweight or obese, adjusting his nutritional intake to allow for weight loss using a specific diet, a specific portion, and a specific meal frequency is essential. There are veterinary-formulated diets that help with healthy and safe weight reduction in dogs. It is NOT appropriate to simply reduce the volume of a dog’s current food, as this will cause malnourishment over time.
Feeding a diet with a lower overall calorie density that maintains an appropriate nutrient balance is essential. Your vet can help you determine which nutritional products are best for your dog. Once the new food has been selected and the portions are determined, you must be consistent with amounts and meal frequency and resist the temptation to provide extra treats. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Regular monthly weigh-ins are necessary for successful canine weight loss and to keep everyone accountable. It is essential to verify weight loss, to ensure that it is neither too rapid nor too slow and to determine when enough weight has been lost.
What happens when my dog reaches his ideal weight?
Once an ideal body weight and condition have been achieved, it is crucial to maintain that weight. Once again, your vet can help you find appropriate food and portions for weight maintenance.
Portion control is critical at this stage to prevent regaining weight. Yo-yo weight loss and gain are no healthier for dogs than for humans. The benefits of normalising body weight and condition make the effort well worth it.
Take home message
Rather than putting your pet at risk of obesity-related diseases, get a professional objective opinion. Take your pet for a weight check today and commit to doing what is best for his health.
