Why is Fido Fat?

Answers to Common Questions

reprinted from Pet Age magazine February, 1989

How prevalent is obesity in dogs?

"Obesity is probably the No. 1 health problem among dogs," says James Sokolowski, DVM, Ph.D., director of the Quaker Pet Nutrition Center (Barrington, 111.).

As many as four out of every 10 dogs that veterinarians see in their practices are overweight, according to Dr. Colin Burrows, associate professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Florida (Gainesville).

"The canine obesity problem is one which is sad-and so unnecessary," Burrows says.

What are the primary causes of obesity in dogs?

Burrows and Sokolowski agree that the root of the problem is overfeeding coupled with lack of exercise.

"Overfeeding is the most common form of malnutrition we see in pets today. Many owners equate food with love. Consequently, they 'love' their pets to the point of obesity. What they don't understand is that there are serious health consequences associated with being overweight, ones which can dramatically affect the pet's life span and life style," Burrows explains.

"Dogs are overweight because they overeat and/or get too little exercise," Sokolowski says. "But the owner determines what the dog eats and establishes the exercise routine. Most dogs I know can't open the refrigerator or chase a Frisbee by themselves. The owner must realize that the responsibility lies squarely on him or her to feed the dog correctly and encourage him to exercise."

How can one tell if a dog is overweight?

"It's really quite simple. Feel along your dog's sides with your fingers. If you can't feel your dog's ribs by applying a small amount of pressure, the animal is probably overweight. A dog is considered obese, or severely overweight, if it is 10% to 15% over its ideal weight," So. ~lowski says.

What are some of the major health problems associated with obesity in dogs?

"Insurance companies have been tracking statistics on the impact of being overweight on human health for years, as part of their business. Regrettably, we have no firm data on the overweight dog and the problems it experiences. Discussions with other veterinarians, however, confirm the problems associated with obesity are widespread," Burrows says.

"We see additional stress on the dog's skeleton, muscles and ligaments. This is a terrible problem for dogs, especially older ones, with arthritis and/or hip dysplasia. We know, too, from recent research findings that dogs fed high levels of fat have a tendency to develop breast cancer as they age. As with humans, canine obesity is also associated with such conditions as impaired breathing functions, digestive disturbances, increased surgical risks, impaired liver functions, heat intolerances, and possibly skin problems."

Sokolowski agrees. "Overweight dogs have a far greater potential for medical problems such as high blood pressure, increased risk of diabetes and cancer, severe joint and locomotion problems, lowered resistance to disease, congestive heart disease, heart and respiratory complications, impaired reproduction, increased problems delivering puppies, increased surgical risk, interference with diagnostic procedures," he says.

Are any particular breeds predisposed to obesity?

According to Burrows, several breeds have a tendency to become obese. Breeds showing the highest incidence of obesity include Labrador retrievers, beagles, Cairn terriers, Shetland sheepdogs, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, collies, and dachshunds.

"We don't know if these trends are hereditary or are related to the dogs being given richer foods and leading more sedentary lives," Burrows adds.

Does neutering or spaying contribute to the problem?

"Sometimes," Burrows says, "because neutering and spaying tend to diminish the pet's natural tendencies to wander. However, the benefits of neutering and spaying far outweigh the risks of obesity. Spayed females, for example, have been shown to have decreased risks for breast cancer."

Is there a typical pet owner who is likely to have an overweight pet?

"While there are no absolutes, it's been my experience-and that of many of my colleagues-that people who tend to lead active lives frequently have leaner pets. The dog which exercises less, gets frequent snacks or tempting 'people food' gets heavier as it ages," Burrows notes.

How do pet owners respond when veterinarians tell them that their pets are overweight?

"Many owners recognize that their pets are pudgy. Equating food with love, they admit to difficulties in refusing those 'begging eyes.' Other owners, however, become defensive when told that their pets are overweight. They describe their pets as 'happy' or 'bigboned' and see no reason for concern," Burrows says.

Many veterinarians will, according to Burrows, try to educate these pet owners about the harmful effects of obesity, suggesting that they initiate dietary restrictions for their pets.

"They can temper the 'diet' message with information on some of the new low-calorie foods now available for dogs. Most pet owners don't have a problem with a pet diet if they realize that the dog won't feel hungry," he says.

How should the dog owner feed an overweight dog?

With his veterinarian's guidance, the owner should select an 'ideal' weight for the dog to reach and maintain, then establish a feeding schedule that will help achieve that weight, Sokolowski says. The diet program should include feeding the dog "recommended amounts of a nutritionally balanced, reduced calorie dog food."

He adds, "It's very important not to give in to [the] dog's begging. Do not feed it any table scraps. Weigh [the] dog once a week; after the first week or two of the diet, [the] dog should be gradually losing weight. If no weight loss is achieved after two weeks, cut back on the amount of dog food," Sokolowski says.

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