It may seem harmless that your dog has a few extra pounds for you to wrap your arms around, but obesity in dogs can threaten your four-legged companion's health and longevity. Our veterinarians in Redmond explain the issues involved with overweight dogs and what owners can do to help them.
Is my dog overweight?
Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat, which causes your dog to carry extra weight. Your vet can measure your dog's weight to determine whether your pup is overweight or obese. 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.
If you think your dog might be overweight, scheduling a checkup with your veterinarian is essential. They will weigh your dog, conduct a comprehensive examination to evaluate your pet's overall health and determine if it is overweight based on its build and breed.
Why Obesity in Dogs is Dangerous for Their Health
Obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs across North America. While this disease is very common, it can also cause painful health issues and can even lead to deadly illnesses.
Even a few extra pounds can cause joint pain and other discomfort for your dog, which could lead to serious health problems for your pooch, including but not limited to:
Arthritis
A dog's joints must bear the extra pressure if your pup is carrying extra fat on their body. The cartilage in the joints deteriorates, which leads to arthritis. While pain medications can be prescribed, helping your dog lose weight and remain at a healthy weight will significantly reduce their risk of arthritis.
CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) Injuries
Obesity is a risk factor for tearing the CCL, or cranial cruciate ligament. Similar to the ACL in humans, this connective tissue in the knee connects and stabilizes the lower leg to the upper leg, and connects a dog's femur and tibia.
When the CCL is torn, it results in partial of complete instability in the joint, pain, and immobility.
Heart & Breathing Conditions
Gaining excessive weight can cause high blood pressure and heart disease in dogs. Obesity is also linked to breathing problems. Overweight dogs are more likely to experience a collapsed trachea and laryngeal paralysis. Left untreated, these airway conditions may lead to a respiratory crisis, which can prove fatal if not treated.
It's essential to help your dog maintain a healthy weight to ensure its well-being. If you're unsure whether to consult your vet, look for signs that your dog is carrying extra weight.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight
Here are a few clues that may indicate your dog is overweight:
Consider Your Dog's Fitness Level
Has your dog been panting when walking slowly? You may notice your dog walking more slowly or needing to rest more than before.
Feel For Your Dog's Ribs
If your dog is at a healthy weight, you should be able to feel its ribs without a thick layer of fat covering them. Your dog's chest should be more comprehensive than its abdomen, and you should see a noticeable tuck-up from chest to stomach about where its waist should be (see illustration below).
Take a Look at Your Four-Legged Friend's Figure
Overweight dogs will generally have an invisible waistline. You likely won't be able to distinguish between the chest and stomach when looking at your dog side-on. See the illustration below for a better idea of how your dog should look from the side.
How can I help my dog lose weight?
Because weight gain can indicate a serious underlying illness, taking your dog to the vet is important if you think they are overweight. If the vet confirms that your dog is overweight and has no underlying health issues, they can suggest a diet and exercise plan to help it safely lose weight. Here are some things your vet may recommend to help your dog shed those extra pounds:
Regular Exercise
Maintain a regular exercise schedule for your dog, including walking twice daily and playing outside once daily. Playing fetch or frisbee can help you and your dog form a closer bond and give your pup a fun way to burn a few extra calories.
Diet & Feeding
Your vet can calculate the correct number of calories to feed your dog at each meal and prescribe a low-calorie diet to help your pup reach a healthier weight. Be sure your dog eats at the same time every day and that you measure out the portions carefully based on the ideal weight for their breed (or size).
Yearly (or Twice-Yearly) Checkups
It's important to schedule routine wellness exams for your dog, even if you think your dog is healthy. These exams, which should be done annually or twice a year, allow your vet to monitor your pet’s weight and diagnose any early signs of illness.
This helps ensure that conditions can be treated before they become more serious. If your dog is on a weight loss plan, schedule follow-up appointments with your vet to monitor your pet’s progress and make any necessary dietary adjustments.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.