Published
30.Jan.2007

Obesity in Dogs - How to Recognize Weight Problems in Dogs

The world has a big problem - literally. In the United States, at least one in five adults is obese. In England, one in four is obese, and more than half human adults tip the scales at more than their recommended weight. The same is true in Canada and Australia. And while genetic predispositions do play a role, the rate at which the obesity problem is, well, growing, points out that environmental factors are the major cause. It comes down to this: people are eating more, and doing less. And now the problem has expanded further - to our pets. One is four dogs is obese.

It's popular to blame our own lack of activity on advances in technology. Why should we move around if we have television remotes, cordless and mobile phones, and online shopping, banking and even dating? But clearly the fact that we have these things does not make us unable to move, just less prone to do so on occasion. Just because we no longer have to split our wood or carry water to our homes doesn't mean we should give up walking, hiking, running, biking, doing aerobics, dancing, climbing and playing sports.

As we've become less active, we've done the same disservice to our dogs. If we aren't out walking or playing in the park, chances are that Captain is home lolling around the yard as well. Not only might he become bored and develop behavior problems because of it - chewing and digging are very popular targets for this unused energy - chances are he has lost his sleek, shiny, youthful appearance, and that seemingly boundless energy. Let's be honest: your dog has gotten fat. (And you may have, as well.)

As with humans, this is more than just a cosmetic issue. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog. Obese pets are more likely to injure themselves, to stress their heart, liver, bones, and lungs, and to have more complications during even routine surgeries. They can suffer from diabetes, have trouble regulating their own body temperature, and have difficulties conceiving, carrying and birthing healthy pups.

How to Recognize Weight Problems in Dogs

If you can tell just by looking at Captain that he is fat, the problem has gone on too long already, and his health is already compromised. That would place him somewhere between six and nine on the helpful nine-point scale developed by a veterinarian and researcher at pet-food manufacturer Purina. Dottie LaFlamme, DVM, PhD, defines nine grading levels based on a sort of "pinch" test. According to the scale, now recognized by veterinarians everywhere, a healthy dog should have just a thin layer of fat over his ribs, and the waist tuck-up (the area from Captain's last rib to his rear end) should be visible, but not pronounced. The grading system in its entirety is as follows:

• Emaciated - Dogs with ribs, hips, and other bones that protrude and are visible from a distance. Emaciated dogs show a loss of muscle as well as an absence of body fat.
• Very thin - A step up from emaciated; bones are visible but not as prominent and muscle loss is slight.
• Thin - Ribs and top of spine may be visible and the pelvic bones prominent. (Some breeds are naturally thin, so don't be fooled at the bony appearance of Salukis, Afghan Hounds and other sighthounds.) Waist and tuck-up are evident.
• Underweight - Some fat on the ribs; visible waist and abdominal tuck-up.
• Ideal - Ribs are easily felt and have a thin layer of fat. Waist and tuck-up are obvious but not exaggerated.
• Overweight - Ribs have noticeable fat; waist and tuck-up are discernible but not prominent.
• Heavy - Ribs are covered with a heavy layer of fat and noticeable fat deposits appear on the spine and at the base of the tail. Waist is absent or barely discernible.
• Obese - A heavy fat layer completely obscures ribs and heavy fat deposits appear over the spine and around the tail base. Waist and tuck-up disappear.
• Morbid - Massive fat deposits in the chest area, along the spine, and around the tail base. No waist or tuck-up. Abdomen protrudes, and fat deposits accrue on legs and neck.

What Should You Do?

The first step is identifying where on the weight scale your dog fall. If Captain falls into the Morbid or Obese categories, you should not undertake any sort of program without first speaking with your veterinarian. (Likewise, if he is underweight, take him to the doctor for a check-up, as there may be an underlying illness.)

The first step is, for some people, the most difficult: saying No. We've all seen those imploring eyes as Captain tries (and often succeeds) in convincing us that he is starving, and it seems harmless enough to toss him a table scrap now and then. Don't do it. Even with all the low-calorie, low-fat people food out there, the meal you're consuming is not healthy for Captain. Additionally, a surprising number of common foods, spices and additives can make him ill. Also, if you're feeding him treats between meals, cut back. If you can't say No when he flashes That Look, give him something low in calories such as unbuttered popcorn or a pretzel. Ice cream, cookies, chips and junk food aren't any healthier for him than they are for you.

Second, after speaking with your veterinarian, you may wish to switch Captain to a low-calorie dog food. There are both "prescription" brands and "off-the-shelf" brands available. Some contain extra amounts of grain protein and fiber, however, which may upset his tummy at first. It has also been noted that dogs that have been on prolonged low-fat diets may, when switched back to maintenance or meat diets, develop pancreatitis. Consult your veterinarian before making major diet changes.

Third, make sure you aren't feeding him too much and too often. Determine the proper amount of food for your dog's breed, size and weight, and stick to it. Use the same size container for scooping the food to keep the portion size consistent. And don't be fooled by the common belief that having your dog spayed or neutered condemns him to a fatty future. The two are not irrevocably linked. Once he or she recovers from the surgery, get him or her up and moving again and watch the portion size, and there shouldn't be a weight problem.

Fourth, if your dog's food contains adequate Omega fatty acids or Vitamin E, you do not need to add the one or two tablespoons of vegetable oil that some veterinarians and breeders recommend to keep Captain's coat and skin looking healthy; you'll only be adding calories.

Fifth, and most important, get him - and yourself - moving. Take him for walks, let him romp in the park, play catch with him, and let him jog with you. After all, he's your buddy, and isn't this a large part of why you wanted a dog in the first place? This part of the "prescription" should be pure pleasure - for both of you.