Obesity in dogs: causes, symptoms, treatment.

Scientific studies have confirmed that one in three dogs are grossly overweight, and the average age of pets diagnosed with obesity ranges from 5 to 8 years old.

This high probability of obesity can lead to the development of more serious pathologies, including diabetes, arthritis, osteoarthritis, torn ligaments, pancreatitis and others. In this article, we will look at the main causes of obesity in dogs, as well as tell you how to prevent the disease and what to do if your pet is overweight.

Causes of obesity

Before fighting excess weight, it is necessary to find out its cause. To the main factors that provoke overweight gain in dogs, include:

• Improper nutrition. The main problem of natural nutrition is its balance. It is about the ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in the pet’s diet. Violation of this balance often leads to the fact that the work of energy metabolism in the animal’s body fails, and this, in turn, can easily lead to excess weight gain. As for industrial diets, the biggest mistake is in too high calorie portions or the addition of treats, which can also be with a very high energy value.
• Overeating. Often owners ignore the nutritional norms, which are calculated by experts for specific breeds of a certain age, and fill the bowl of a four-legged friend. There are other situations when overeating is inevitable. So, for example, to deny an additional portion to a pet who sits next to you and makes sad eyes, it is almost impossible.
• Low physical activity. Food is a source of energy. Excess energy, which was not used up during the day, accumulates in the body in the form of fat deposits. Lack of movement coupled with improper nutrition and overeating inevitably leads to the acquisition of excess body weight.
• Sterilization Fact. Overweight in spayed individuals is a common problem that is attributed to the lifestyle of dogs after sterilization. Some become less active.
• Disorders of the endocrine system. The most common are diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome. Insufficient production of hormones or their excess contribute to excess weight gain.

Also do not forget about the genetic factor – some breeds are predisposed to obesity. Labrador retrievers, pugs, English bulldogs, beagles, dachshunds, basset hounds and ornamental breeds have a harder time staying in shape and fighting excess weight.

Risks associated with obesity

Owners of four-legged friends should clearly recognize the consequences of being overweight.

Overweight dogs are particularly prone to numerous cardiovascular diseases. The heart is a vital organ that wears out faster under the influence of excess weight.

Excess weight also affects the musculoskeletal system of the animal. Reduced exercise tolerance, arthritis, osteoarthritis, torn ligaments, and dysplasia of overloaded joints are common reasons to see a veterinarian.

Finally, excess body weight directly affects the liver and pancreas. For example, pancreatitis is usually diagnosed in obese dogs.

How to determine obesity

The first thing to do to understand whether a pet is overweight or not is to weigh it and compare the resulting figure with the acceptable value according to breed norms.

If the pet is not a pedigree or you are in doubt whether there is obesity, a simple test that the owner can conduct on his own at home will help.

Diagnosis of obesity at the clinic

If you are unable to assess your pet’s condition, a veterinary clinic can help diagnose obesity. During the examination, the doctor will assess the patient’s proportions, determine the degree of obesity and collect anamnesis – information about the dog’s age, lifestyle and any chronic diseases.

Based on the results of the clinical examination, clarifying tests may be ordered if necessary:

• ULTRASOUND;
• Blood analysis (general and biochemical);
• Additional specific tests.

It is important to note that the treatment of any disease, and obesity in particular, should take place in the clinic under the supervision of a specialist – a veterinarian. In no case should you engage in self-medication. Increasing exercise and reducing the caloric content of the diet is not always the only correct solution and way out of the situation. It is possible that the cause of overweight may be disorders in the work of internal systems, which can be identified only after performing the necessary laboratory tests. Now let’s understand – what does the treatment of obesity in dogs consist of?

Treatment of obesity

The first thing to figure out is the dog’s basic energy requirements (BER), which is the amount of energy the animal expends during the day.

There is a specially derived formula for calculations:

• BER (basic energy requirements) = Animal Body Weight (kg) * 30 + 70.

The resulting value is the minimum number of calories consumed by the animal’s body to maintain its own life and health at rest. That is, this energy is spent on basic needs: sleeping, breathing, blood circulation and digestion.

After we have calculated the body’s need for basic energy, it is necessary to calculate the daily calorie allowance, eating which the animal will not gain excess weight. To do this, it is necessary to multiply the obtained figure by a certain coefficient, which at the moment is suitable for your pet:

• For sterilized dogs – 1.6;
• For unsterilized dogs – 1.8;
• For dogs doing light physical work – 2;
• For moderately active dogs – 3;
• For dogs doing heavy physical work – 4 to 8;
• For overweight dogs whose goal is to lose weight – 1.

Please note! The values obtained are approximate. Calculate the exact daily calorie allowance according to the current state of health of the animal and its lifestyle will help veterinarians nutritionist-gastroenterologist.

So, now that you have information about your pet’s energy needs, let’s talk about the following components of treatment.

Diet therapy

A special calorie deficient diet is prescribed for overweight pets. For dogs on the industrial type of food is selected a special diet with a high content of protein and fiber, for pets on the natural type of food diet is made by a veterinary nutritionist. Of course, all favorite treats and goodies during the recovery period should be excluded. But a nutritionist can always find an alternative, for example, if you are giving the treats for training purposes.

Important! Many owners worry that on a diet their four-legged friend will constantly feel hunger. This is not the case! The diet is selected in such a way that the animal’s feeling of satiety between meals is maintained and the dog feels good.

Physical activity

Physical activity is an integral part of your pet’s weight loss and recovery. Match your pet’s exercise to their current weight, health and fitness level. If walks were previously no more than a natural exercise, don’t try to introduce daily walks of 2-3 hours into your pet’s routine right away. Don’t forget that excess weight is a heavy, heavy load on the whole body, and long walks can be dangerous for your dog at first. Start small – 15-30 minutes a day – and increase the duration and intensity of exercise as your pet loses weight.

Controlling the disease that caused obesity

Medications are not needed to treat obesity. However, medication may be needed if another disease is the cause of obesity.

So, if the excess weight is the result of a disease, all efforts should be directed towards its treatment. After full recovery, follow the veterinarian’s recommendations and monitor your pet’s general health. In the latter case, preventive visits to the clinic for examination and premature detection of serious diseases will help.

A weight loss of 1-2% per week from the original body weight is considered optimal. Remember that weight loss should be gradual and safe. With rapid weight loss, not only fat, but also muscle mass is lost, and the general physical and psychological condition of the animal suffers. In addition, rapid weight loss can lead to a deficiency of trace elements and vitamins in the body.

Overweight is a serious strain on the heart and the dog’s body as a whole. To avoid serious consequences and help your four-legged friend, do not delay a visit to a specialist. In our clinic, patients are seen by a nutritionist-gastroenterologist, a highly qualified specialist. At the consultation you will be able to discuss your questions and get recommendations on feeding your pet.

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