Overcoming Dog Obesity: Causes & Weight Loss Strategies

The primary causes of obesity in humans are overeating and a lack of physical activity. When the calories consumed exceed the energy burned, any surplus is stored as fat. Even a small increase of just 1% in calorie intake can lead to a 25% weight gain by middle age.

Many dog owners are initially unaware that their pets are overweight until they take their dogs to the vet for another reason and are informed that their pets suffer from obesity.

Obese dogs may experience difficulty breathing or walking, and may also struggle with heat or exercise tolerance.

Dog Obesity Diagnosis

Veterinarians conduct a variety of diagnostic tests to assess the overall health of the dog and provide weight loss recommendations based on the findings. These tests may include:

1. A comprehensive veterinary examination, which includes precise weight measurement and an assessment of the dog's physical condition. A historical review of the dog's weight changes can often help identify the cause of weight gain and may assist in pinpointing specific events or environmental changes that contribute to weight increase.

2. Routine blood tests, which include a complete blood count, serum tests, and urinalysis. These tests can help determine if the dog has underlying health issues. If these tests indicate problems, the vet will perform additional tests to more accurately identify the condition before starting a weight loss plan.

3. The vet evaluates the dog's daily food intake, treats, leftovers, and exercise routine. Based on this assessment, a suitable weight loss plan is formulated. Clearly, if the calculated calorie intake exceeds the dog's daily energy needs for ideal weight, excessive calorie intake is the cause of obesity.

Dog Obesity Treatment

It is recommended that dog owners treat any underlying conditions that contribute to obesity promptly. The following therapies are available:

1. Reducing the dog's daily calorie intake by changing the dog food product (opting for weight loss formulas available on the market) or adjusting the amount fed daily.

2. Sometimes, increasing fiber or water intake may be necessary.

3. Increasing physical exercise. A variety of leashes and toys are available to enhance exercise.

Family Care

Weight loss should be a shared responsibility among all family members. Closely monitoring the dog's food intake and weight can be very helpful. It's best if one person is responsible for feeding the dog. Additionally, all members should help with exercise or engage in physical activities together with the dog.

To achieve significant weight loss, the dog's food must be switched to a specialized therapeutic diet designed for weight loss. Simply reducing the dog's daily food amount is often not enough to succeed in weight loss. As the dog owner, you must accurately measure food portions and minimize food rewards. If necessary, you can provide lowcalorie snacks, such as some vegetables (like carrots).

Since feeding plans often need adjustments, it's advisable to bring your dog for a followup visit every 46 weeks to monitor weight loss. When the dog is nearing its ideal weight, further reduction in calorie intake is necessary to maintain continued weight loss.

Most dogs typically require an 812 month weight loss plan to reach their ideal weight. When owners and family members are committed to improving their pet's health, most dogs can achieve ideal or nearideal weights. Afterward, most dog owners choose to continue feeding their pets weight loss meals but at higher food doses to maintain their pets' ideal weight.

Specific recommendations depend on the underlying cause, and the following diseases and treatment measures are provided:

1. Excessive calorie intake. Even after reaching the ideal weight, dogs should continue to eat lowcalorie food, minimize treats, and exercise more.

2. Diabetes. Regular followups are necessary to monitor insulin dosage and effectiveness, as well as weight changes.

3. Hypothyroidism. Similar to diabetes, regular followups are required to monitor thyroid dosage and effectiveness, as well as weight changes.

4. Blood thyroid levels should also be checked regularly, especially if the dog is on a weight loss plan.

5. Hyperadrenocorticism. Regular followups are necessary to monitor medical management, and weight changes should also be checked regularly.