Is Your Dog Overweight?

Is your dog pleasantly plump? Well, according to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and Mars Incorporated’s Banfield Pet Hospital, he may not be pleasantly anything; he may just be fat. Extra weight on humans causes a host of medical problems; it can also harm dogs, creating increased risk of diabetes, joint problems, cancer, arthritis, and kidney disease. Why is the obesity epidemic spreading to dogs, and is your beloved pooch too fat?

The reason why dogs (and cats) are fat is the same reason why people have weight problems. Typically, they eat too much and exercise too little. We equate food with love a lot of the time, and it is so tempting to sneak our dogs a few too many treats. Or to look at those puppy eyes and imagine we see he’s hungry. In reality, dogs that eat less live longer. Exercise is also key. A walk gives both dog and owner tremendous benefits. You’ll see the difference not only in your dog’s weight (and hopefully yours) but also in his mood. Destructive behaviors, caused by boredom, can be remedied with sufficient physical activity and stimulation.

The study found that almost half of the dogs and cats in the US are overweight, and 20 percent are obese. For dogs and cats, this means that they weigh 30 percent or more than their ideal healthy body weight. Is your dog part of the pet “obesity epidemic”? He may be if you cannot feel his ribs easily, see a hanging belly, or if he has a broad, flat back.

Not only do these extra pounds weigh your dog down, they weigh your budget down as well. Pet owners with Veterinary Pet Insurance policies spent over $25 million on obesity-related problems.

According to Ernie Ward, founder of the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, obesity is the most preventable health issue facing dogs and cats. Steven Budsberg, veterinary expert at University of Georgia, says, “Obesity in pets is almost the equivalent of smoking in human medicine. There’s the high cost to people, and it’s self-induced. I never met a German shepherd who could open the refrigerator or the food bag and pour himself another bowl.”

Some weight loss suggestions include counting calories, using software to track eating and exercise, and investing in a dog treadmill. But you can save yourself the expense and stick to a good old healthy diet and daily, brisk walk or intense play. It’ll cost you less now, and it will certainly cost you less in the long run.