Is My Dog at the Risk of a Lifestyle Disease
Britain’s pet welfare organization, PDSA, recently released a disturbing report on the state of the health of pets in the UK. The organization reported 40% of dogs were overweight, and that 81% of vets surveyed said a majority of the cases they handle are obesity related. It surprises many pet owners to hear that their pets can suffer serious lifestyle illnesses like diabetes and arthritis. But obesity in a dachshund, for example, can reduce lifespan by up to 2.3 years.
What is Making Your Dog Overweight?
Just like in humans, animals will put on weight if they take in more calories than they utilise. The same study by the PDSA found that 16% owners of the dogs walked their dogs only once in a day, and 1% never walked their dogs at all. The dogs were eating too much and moving too little.
Poor quality dog food also takes a large share of the blame. Foods with too much grain fillings are high in carbohydrates. These carbs are broken into sugar and turned into fat if the dog does not use them for energy.
How do You Identify an Overweight Dog?
Your dog’s body shape can give you signs of growing weight:
- You should see a smooth tucked-in waist when you look at your dog from above. A bulging waist is a bad sign
- Put your hand under the dog’s tummy and push up gently. The stomach should push inwards and not bulge from the sides.
- Feel the dog’s back with the tips of your fingers. You should feel the dog’s spine ridges, but they should not stick out sharply. Repeat the same with the ribs. If you have to push to feel the bones underneath, it means there is a layer of excess fat.
- Feel the dog’s tail at the base where the tail meets the dog’s back. You should easily feel the two bones but not a padding of fat.
What Risks Come from Pet Obesity?
Dogs suffer almost the same lifestyle ailments that humans suffer from putting on too much weight:
- Arthritis - The dog’s joints become swollen and painful, which immobilises the pet even more
- Cruciate Ligament damage – The ligaments in weight-bearing joints weaken and rupture, making the joint immobile
- Various cancers
- Diabetes
How Can You Minimise These Risks?
You can implement simple and immediate solutions to keep your pet safe from obesity and its effects:
#1 Good Dieting and Controlled portions
Get the right quality of food. Get rid of raw and highly processed foods to eliminate too much cholesterol and carbs. Switch to a dog food with insect protein. This food provides the same levels of proteins and is enriched with vital minerals and vitamins. Reduce the portion bowl to reduce unnecessary calories.
Dog treats and snacks also contribute to weight gain. You might not think much about handing your dog that leftover steak, but doing it regularly has a weight impact. Balance regular feeding and treats. If your dog had a snack, reduce the portion of regular food.
#2 Plenty of Exercise
Walk your dog at least once in a day for 30 minutes. If you can afford the time, take the dog for more intensive runs and play outdoors. Exercise has immediate impact in uplifting your pet’s moods and yours. The dog’s cardiovascular efficiency improves, which is important for flat-faced breeds.
#3 Monitor the Dog’s Weight
How fast is your dog gaining or losing weight? Regular weight checks will alert you when your pet gains weight too fast. Very rapid loss should also be a concern. Remember that a dog is a small animal; a weight gain of half a kilo should be alarming.
Your dog is very much at risk of lifestyle ailments on account for poor dieting and lack of exercise. The good news is that these problems are easy to remedy with proper dieting and plenty of exercise. These are simple solutions that are cheaper in the long run because you will avoid unnecessary trips to the vet. It will also add years to your furry friend.
Article written by Ostriching.com
