Obesity can shorten a dog's life

[bigdoglover]

Orlando Sentinal

Dr. Wess Borgman

Research shows that thin dogs live on average two years longer than dogs that are slightly overweight. Unfortunately, much like their owners, most dogs in the United States are overweight.

Obesity can have dramatic effects on pets' quality of life, causing cancer, heart disease, liver disease or arthritis.

Historically, when a dog was thin it usually meant the animal was suffering from worms.

Thanks to the widespread use of heartworm and parasite preventives, thin pets are now the ideal.

Even a few extra pounds can make a difference so dramatic that researchers have changed the ideal body weight for dogs to include thinner dogs in the ideal range when veterinarians assess pet weight goals.

While breed standards may give you an approximate weight range, the ideal weight for dogs of the same breed may vary by more than 10 pounds.

A better way to determine your pet's individual weight is to have your veterinarian determine a body-condition score and help you identify your pet's ideal weight independent of its breed (or breeds).

If your pet is obese, there are many strategies to help shed excess pounds.

The first step is to identify the cause. In most cases, the pet is sedentary and is being fed too much, usually including people food.

Other causes are hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland) and hyperadrenocorticism (a disorder of the adrenal glands, also called Cushing's disease).

Laboratory tests to rule out thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction are recommended.

People food is much higher in calories than most dog food. Cutting out people food and feeding light versions of adult dog food, coupled with increased exercise, are all that is needed for pet weight loss.

On occasion, light food and exercise are not enough, so prescription diet food is needed. With a prescription diet, your veterinarian will calculate the exact amount your pet should get each day and monitor the weight loss to be sure it is safe.

When the pet is on a prescription diet, don't give it any other food or treats.

Regular increased activity is usually required while dieting. Teaching a dog to fetch for 10 minutes a day can make a big difference.

An effective tool is to take your pet to the vet for weekly weigh-ins. Many clinics offer free weigh-ins and use a computer program to chart progress.