![]() The reduction or elimination of extras like treats and table scraps will be helpful, and a change in type and/or amount of food is often needed. If your dog is older, you may need to do shorter exercise sessions.ĭietary changes should be made with the guidance of your dog’s veterinary team. A simple walk is feasible for most families, but exercise can also include playing fetch indoors or outdoors, swimming, and running. The duration and intensity can be slowly increased as your dog loses weight and becomes more fit. In general, most dogs can safely exercise for 15-30 minutes per day to start. Depending on the severity of obesity and current fitness level, increasing the amount of your dog’s daily exercise may need to be done gradually. The basic components for treating obesity are exercise and dietary changes. If the weight gain has been very sudden, your veterinarian may also recommend x-rays to check for fluid or masses in the abdomen. Your veterinarian may also run some lab work to check for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to weight gain, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. Your dog should have an hourglass shape when viewed from above if he is at his ideal body weight. The two most commonly used body condition scores are a five-point scale (where three is considered ideal) and a nine-point scale (where four to five is considered ideal). A measurement called body condition scoring can also be done. Your veterinarian can obtain your dog’s weight and look for trends over time indicating weight gain or loss. How Veterinarians Diagnose Obesity in Dogs If there seems to be excess padding over your dog’s ribs or you are unable to see a slight tuck-up just in front of the hind legs, chances are good that your dog is carrying excess weight. If you suspect your dog may be overweight, schedule a weight check and examination with your veterinarian. In addition, certain dog breeds can be predisposed to obesity, including: There are some medical conditions that cause obesity, including hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing’s disease. Inadequate exercise can also lead to your dog becoming overweight. The most obvious cause of obesity in dogs is overfeeding, which can include the dog’s regular wet or dry food, treats designed for dogs, and “table scraps” or human foods. Symptoms of Obesity in DogsĪ collar or harness that seems tighter than it used to beīeing unable to feel the ribs, or seeing a “waistline” (a small tuck in the belly right in front of the hind legs) Showing love by showering your dog with treats may actually result in a shortened lifespan and decreased quality of life if the excess calories result in obesity. Obesity can contribute to many conditions in dogs, including: Up to 65% of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese. What are the risks associated with obesity in dogs? Excess body weight can be a contributing factor in many diseases. ![]() Dogs that weigh at least 10% above their ideal body weight are considered overweight, while dogs weighing 20% more than ideal are considered obese. Obesity can be defined as an excess accumulation of body fat that contributes to disease.
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