Why is obesity in animals so bad? Just like in people the extra weight on an animal is very detrimental to their overall health. Excess fat build up in the abdominal area will actually move organs and can constrict some organ function. If you have a dog that should weigh 12 pounds and it weighs 17 then he needs to lose 5 pounds, that is greater than 10% of his body weight. It is just as difficult for an animal to lose weight as it is for people, the advantage we have is that we can control their food. In the example above the dog that should weigh 12.. its body is not meant to carry that much weight around so you are adding significant stress to the joints and heart. Many dogs will tear their ACL 's (anterior cruciate ligament) carrying that much weight. Doctors are hesitant to perform surgery like that on an overweight patient because you are putting all the weight on the other leg while that one is healing and 9 times out of 10 they will tear the ACL on the "good leg".
The heart also has to work much harder to bring valuable oxygen and nutrients to all organs of the body. They also run the risk of becoming diabetic. Yes dogs and cats can be diabetic and there are alot of them out there. Treating diabetes in an animal is very demanding on your time. They require strict regiments of diet, exercise and insulin injections.
If you have an overweight animal and want to get them back into shape here is some advice. Do not use "light" foods, as these are designed to actually help them maintain the weight they are at and not to lose. You will need to purchase a prescription diet for weight loss. These diets are high in fiber to help them "feel" full and they have a specific caloric intake. You also need to look at the treats and how many you are feeding a day. Most treats are empty calories so you may need to replace them with diet treats while they are losing weight. Sticking to the regiment your vet has given you will give you great results. You may even find that when you get them to the weight they should be at they will have alot more energy and look happier.
Being significantly overweight will shorten the life span of your pet. I will be happy to suggest treat options and the different diets out there if you have any questions.
I loved you comments on obesity.
ReplyDeleteI have a question. We have a 6 year old female Boxer. When I take her to my Vet for a routine visit, what should I expect him to do so that I know she's not having any problems that I can't easily see?
A 6 year old Boxer is close to what we call "mature". I would expect that the vet would start requesting blood work, that way they can be alerted to any health problems that may be starting with the kidney,liver,thyroid and other issues with organs that we can't see. Catching these early means that we can use either medicines or a dietary change to help them live longer. Some animals develop diabetes if they are overweight as they get older. Just like in people, if unregulated it will cause serious complications with other organs in the body. Getting them on a diet and insulin regiment will greatly increase their life expectancy. I would expect them to also be paying close attention to the eyes for changes that come with getting older.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't stated whether or not you are having any health issues now so I am going to assume that up to this point we have had a clean bill of health. They will do the normal exam, listening to the heart for any murmurs that may have developed, checking the teeth. Tarter build up on an animals teeth will deposit bacteria on the valves of the heart just like in people and can cause some types of heart disease.
Keeping your pet on a good weight, monthly heartworm control which also controls internal parasites and brushing (or using treats that aid in keeping teeth clean) is the best foundation you can have. You know your dog better than anybody and we really on you "knowing" your pet. If you notice a change in their behavior have them checked out. early detection is the best medicine.