Dog - Obesity

Everyone tells me my dog is obese and must be put on a diet. Is this true?

We are all very much aware of the problems that obesity causes in people. Heart, joint and breathing problems are the most common.

What is not so commonly known is the fact that the same problems can affect our pets if they are overweight. Therefore it is always prudent to ensure that they do not become overweight.

What is obesity?

In man obesity is defined according to strict calculations involving weight and height. Obesity in dogs is less precisely defined because of the diversity of body size and build. Consider a Whippet compared with a St Bernard or a Chihuahua and a Great Dane!

Therefore diagnosis is more subjectively based than with man. Pedigree animals are somewhat easier since each breed has an optimum weight and simply weighing the dog will often establish whether it is over this optimum. These optimum weights are sometimes incorporated in the breed standard.

With mixed breeds it is more difficult to assess.

Today we have body condition scores (BCS) which provide a simple quantitative method of evaluating the pet’s condition. These, although still subjective, are less so than a random estimation which was used in the past. The simplest system is the five point BCS with too thin (emaciated) given number 1 and obese number 5 with the optimum weight in the middle at 3. The nine point system has ‘ideal’ at 5 and allows more room for manoeuvre between emaciated and underweight (1–4) and overweight and grossly obese (6–9). The aim is obviously to aim for a middle score, no matter whether your dog needs to lose weight as with obesity, or gain weight, if you have been told he is too lean.

If my dog is overweight will his behaviour have changed?

Many obese dogs are greedy. They will bolt their food and then ask for more. They will beg for food at family mealtimes. It will be noted that their activity is seriously reduced, they spend a lot of time sleeping instead of playing and frequently will only walk for short distances. Other signs are difficulty in negotiating steps and stairs. They will often pant if forced to exercise more than absolutely necessary.

What is the cause of obesity?

Simple obesity is the accumulation of excess energy which is stored as fat. In other words the dog is receiving more calories than is needed for body maintenance and energy expenditure. There are many other causes of obesity such as glandular/hormonal imbalances. Some breeds such as Labradors, Spaniels and Dachshunds tend to get fat very easily and there may be genetic factors involved.

I had my dog neutered. I am told this would not have helped.

There is some indication that neutering can increase the probability of obesity in later life. However it should be remembered that service dogs, e.g. Guide Dogs for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Dogs for the Disabled, are all neutered but strict dietary control ensures that these animals are not obese. The problem is tackled on a ‘a prevention rather than cure basis’.

I am sure my dog is not obese because he only eats a small quantity of food every day.

Obesity often develops gradually without being noticed. We think we are feeding our dogs only a small quantity of food but forget the odd sweet biscuit, the peppermint cream, the drink of milky tea, etc. We also forget that in comparison with us he is smaller, sometimes very much so. A Papillon is only a fraction of our weight so one sweet biscuit a day to him is probably equivalent to two or three packets a day for us.

What can I do?

To be told that a much loved pet is seriously overweight and can suffer health problems is always an initial shock. Compare, if possible, your dog's weight with that when he was 1-2 years old. Weight should not have increased.

Positive thinking is imperative. Enlist the help of all members of the family. If you had been told your dog was suffering from a heart disease or kidney trouble you would know instinctively that this was serious. Obesity is just as serious and requires the co-operation of everyone in contact with the pet.

Do not be afraid of contacting us for advice. Weight will not come off overnight. Just as with overweight people it is a hard and often initially unrewarding struggle. Be prepared to be patient and to persevere. Write down everything he gets in a day. Often you will be surprised at the sabotage that goes on, bread put out for the birds, the odd treat from an indulgent friend or neighbour, etc. You have to be vigilant.

Above all follow professional instructions and the diet that has been prescribed.

Once weight returns to an acceptable level you will be surprised at the years rather than the pounds that seem to have been shed. It really is worth persevering. We will do all we can to help. Do not hesitate to contact our trained personnel.