Are You Killing Your Pooch with Kindness?

by Rebecca Sang

Although some people find many a pudgy pooch charming, obesity is one of the most common and detrimental health conditions your furry friend may face. Obesity affects up to forty percent of the American canine population. It increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and bone and joint disease, like hip dysplasia.

Some breeds are particularly prone to becoming overweight. However, owners’ attitudes often contribute more to turning their canine friends into corpulent canines than actual genetic factors; many Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Pugs develop into adorable little butterballs right under their loving owner’s nose. Larger breeds, everything from black Labs and Golden Retrievers to Mastiffs and Bernese Mountain dogs, are very susceptible to bone and joint disease. Studies have linked such disease to puppies putting on too much weight in their puppyhood.

Need that hourglass figure

To get a sense of whether or not your pet needs to shed more than his furry winter coat, first take a look to see whether his waist is clearly defined and back fairly narrow. Also, check the thickness of the base of his tail; it should be proportional to the length. Finally, take a look at his ribs; they should be easy to feel under his skin.

Obese or not obese?

Next think about Spot’s behavior. Does he seem fatigued, and does he lag behind on walks? Does he pant often and bark without getting up? Does he need help getting into the car? These are all signs that his health may be suffering, and a vet visit is in order. If your vet determines that your dog’s weight is ten percent over the ideal range for his breed and body type, it’s time for her to go on a diet. If your dog’s weight is twenty percent over the ideal range, your dog is clinically obese and will require a veterinarian-directed regimen of diet, exercise, and supplements.

We are what we eat

One of the most important things you can do to help your pup manage her weight is to learn her dog food ingredients. There are quite a few premium weight-control foods on the market, but it’s important to know what to look for. Pet foods labeled as “light” or “lite” have passed labeling requirements for a designated low-calorie, low-fat food. Other terms such as “weight control” and “reduced fat” are not regulated terms which means they can be put on just about anything.

Also, when comparing dog food labels make sure to compare dry food to dry food and canned food to other canned foods. Comparing nutritional information between a dry food and a canned food can easily mislead you. Although some popular myths would persuade us to shun wet food, both types can be healthy. In fact, some canned foods actually edge out dry food because they help combat dehydration, which is pivotal to a healthy metabolism.

Finally, scale back the fat and calories but make sure there’s plenty of protein and fiber. Fiber helps your pooch feel full and brushes fat through his digestive system faster so that less of it is absorbed; the protein builds lean muscle mass. If possible find a dog food with L-carnitine, an ingredient which stimulates the metabolism and promotes the burning of stored fat. Most good quality senior foods boost fiber levels; most large breed dog foods include L-carnitine in addition to Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which help with healthy bones and joints.

I’m still hungry, really, really

In addition to paying attention to what your dog eats, it’s very important to monitor how much your dog eats. This may seem like common sense. However, another myth would have us believe that animals have an innate understanding informing them when to stop chowing down. They don’t and they won’t. Check the label to determine how much you should feed your dog; each food will have its own caloric value so you can determine the right portions for your dog. It’s essential to measure the amount of food you give your furry friend, and to be especially vigilant with dogs who live indoors and may eat out of boredom.

If you give treats, you’ll want to lessen the amount of dog food you provide. Look for low fat treats with an AFCO statement on the back. AFCO, the regulating body for all pet foods, does not require treat manufacturers to list nutritional information. Any company that does has voluntarily chosen to do so, and that is a good sign. Lastly, keep your dog as far away from human food as possible, no matter what kind of puppy eyes he sends your way. Human food tends to be high in fat and low in digestibility. If you want to give her some love, grab the leash and take her for a walk. Remember that if your dog is overweight you too may not be getting enough exercise. The biggest treat you can give your dog is a long, healthy life and your own company on her daily exercise routine.