Does your dog have a weight problem?

It has been estimated that one in every three pets is overweight.  As with humans, a weight loss program for dogs depends on a quality, nutritional diet and increased exercise.

What Is a Healthy Weight?

It is difficult for owners to determine what a healthy weight is for their pets. Dogs are often compared to the average for their breed with little or no thought given to the individual’s structure and size. Cats come in so many shapes and sizes and all too often owners mistake a overweight cat for one who is “just big boned”. Thick coats can also make weight monitoring difficult for owners.

It is easy to learn how to judge a proper weight on your pet. First, run your fingers along your dog or cat’s side. The ribs should be easy to feel without pressing or poking. Next, look at your pet from above. You should see a distinct waistline making an hour glass shape. From the side your pet’s profile should show a noticeable “tuck” in the abdomen. Other signs you may notice with weight problems include a reluctance to exercise, joint pain, excessive sleeping, becoming short of breath or getting “worn out” quickly during  physical activity.

Why Are So many Pets Overweight?

Pet weight problems are overwhelmingly caused by overfeeding and under exercising.  Some pet foods and treats are very high in sugar and fat (semi moist kibble or treats and snacks shaped like “real food” for example). Pets eating these foods are prone to developing weight problems. Like humans too many treats can also lead to problems even if meals are portioned appropriately. Free feeding (leaving food out all day) may encourage your pet to eat out of boredom and often results in behavioral issues with dogs. Pets who are offered unhealthy people food such as fried foods, greasy foods, fat trimmings and sweets are highly likely to put on extra pounds. Of course just plain feeding too much is a leading cause of obesity.

Pet owners are often unaware of how much (or how little) exercise their pets get.  Just because your dog has a fenced yard doesn’t mean he gets lots of exercise. Along the same lines your cat may have plenty of toys but still be very under exercised. Some pets won’t exercise by themselves. Pets should get at least 40 minutes of real exercise such as running or chasing  every day.

One sometimes missed cause of weight gain in dogs is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is an inadequate production of hormone from the thyroid gland.  Symptoms include weight gain, difficulty losing weight even with a strict diet, poor skin and coat, balding, cold intolerance, muscle weakness, lethargy, anemia  and even aggression. If you notice any of these sypmtoms, a visit to the vet is needed where your vet will take a blood sample and send it to a lab for a full panel thyroid analysis.  Once properly diagnosed hypothyroidism is generally easily controlled.

Unhealthy Weight, Unhealthy Pet

Being overweight is more then just a cosmetic problem for your pet. The extra pounds have severe effects of your pet’s health and well being. Overweight pets are much more prone to diabetes, joint, tendon and ligament problems, arthritis and heart problems. Pets with weight problems also age much faster and have shorter lives.  Your pet’s mental state is also affected. Overweight pets often become depressed, very moody and/or grumpy.

How to Lose It

Not surprisingly the extra weight on your pet is far easier to put on then take off.  It is best to carefully monitor your pet’s weight cutting back food if you notice a weight gain. But what do you do if your pet’s weight has already a problem?  First, you will need to reduce the amount of food you give your pet. This means picking up the food bowl if your pet is used to an all day, all you can eat buffet. You will then need to carefully measure or weigh out your pet’s food. This allows you to know how much is being eaten and makes it easier to cut back further if needed. Now is the time to switch to a natural raw diet. Owners time and time again report their always overweight pets are in great condition since switching to a raw diet. Raw diets provide a healthy whole food diet which promotes good muscle condition, good energy level and overall good health.  Treats need to be limited and should be as natural as possible. That means no more fake bacon and sausage snacks!  Instead, offer meat treats (such as Nothing But...Treats).  Break the treats into fingernail size bites for large dogs and half that size for smaller dogs and cats. Replace your dog’s fattening chew treats with low glycemic veggie pieces such as broccoli and celery. Or stuff a Kong toy with our A Place for Paws RAW mixes and freeze for a long lasting chew treat.

Of course, exercise will need increased. You need to engage your pet in play daily and encourage activity. This can be done with interactive games, toys and increased outdoor play.

Advantages of Naturally Raised Pets

Your pet’s diet success depends on your ability to stick with it. Points to remember:
• Control how much and when your pet eats
• Limit treats to natural meat treats broken into fingernail or smaller size bites
• Replace chew treats with low glycemic veggies
• Increase exercise by encouraging activity