Don't Give In to Begging
If your overweight dog whines and cries for more food, hold firm. “That causes a lot of owners to buckle,” Tams says. Murray says: “Your dog will certainly whine if he knows that will get him more treats and snacks.” If you're serving the correct portion, more food will only contribute to weight issues.
Diet Dog Food: Making the Switch
If that doesn't do the trick, it may be time for diet dog food. Gimeno attributes certain brands of chow and lack of exercise to Lolita's weight problem. And because smaller breeds are more susceptible to heart failure, she decided to visit her veterinarian and take action. With a diet of organic brands such as Newman's Own and AvoDerm, and more walks in the park, Lolita shed her excess weight. Both Murray and Tams advocate this type of dog diet. Consult with your vet on the right food for your canine. Factors such as size, age and overall health dictate the type and/or brand. Your vet may even suggest a prescription dog food. “Some diet foods that are higher in certain types of fiber can help a dog feel fuller, while ingesting fewer calories,” Murray says. If you do decide to switch to diet dog food, do so slowly, each day mixing in more and more of the healthier fare.
Get Your Overweight Dog Exercising
Exercise is as important for pets as it is for humans. If you don't have the time, hire a dog walker or a teenager looking for some extra cash. “Doggy day care centers are a great option if everyone is gone during the day,” Tams says. “Your dog can run and play all day long.” Tams advocates 10-15 minutes of activity several times per day. If you live in a hot area, exercise early in the morning or late at night. For heavier dogs with joint problems or those that overheat easily, swimming is a great alternative.
When to Try an Rx for Your Overweight Dog
If diet and exercise just aren't working, medication could help, but only as a last resort. Tams recommends Pfizer Animal Health's prescription drug Slentrol. “We always try exercise and diet modification first,” he says. “But some animals have seen weight loss with Slentrol, which helps to decrease appetite and fat absorption.”
Still Not Losing? Maybe it's Medical
If cutting out unhealthy snacks and table scraps, serving diet dog food, increasing physical activity, and/or medication don't do the trick, an underlying health condition likely triggered the weight gain. “That's why consultation with a vet who can perform blood work is so important,” Tams says. Your vet will check for:
- Low thyroid level
- Hormonal imbalances, such as Cushing's disease, an excess of adrenal hormones
Just like people, overweight dogs can face a litany of health issues, so a diet may save your pet's life. Among the potentially devastating consequences of obesity:
- Trouble breathing
- Greater risk for heat stroke
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetes
- Orthopedic concerns
- Comprised immune system
- Reduction in lifespan
- Mammary tumors (particularly in un-spayed females)
- Skin conditions
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
As with people, aim for gradual weight loss and expect significant improvement to take several months. “The ideal would be a loss of 1% to 2% of the initial weight per week,” Tams says.
Once you've achieved success, maintain the weight loss by sticking to what you know. “Hopefully while achieving your dog's weight loss goals, you both developed some healthier habits,” Murray says. “Stick to these: avoiding between-meal snacks and treats, regular exercise, and controlled food portions. Getting the whole family into healthy-dog habits is essential for long-term weight management.”
SOURCES:
Todd R. Tams, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM and chief medical officer of VCA Antech.
Louise Murray, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM and director of medicine for the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.
Marissa Gimeno, dog owner.
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