Fighting Dog Obesity: Strategies for a Healthier Weight

As caregivers, we prioritize the well-being of our four-legged companions. However, the escalating rates of canine obesity have raised significant concerns within the veterinary community and among pet owners. In this blog, we delve into the underlying factors, health implications, and strategies for addressing this problem. From increasing their physical activity levels to switching to a low carb dog diet, we’ll explore a variety of ways to combat the effects of obesity in your pets. 

It’s normal for our dogs’ weights to fluctuate, especially as they age. Of course, different breeds also have different weight ranges that are considered healthy. Regardless of what types of furry friend you hold dear, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what obesity is and how it can affect a dog’s health. 

According to PetMD: “Obesity is a nutritional disease which is defined by an excess of body fat. Dogs that are overnourished, lack the ability to exercise, or that have a tendency to retain weight are the most at risk for becoming obese. Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects, such as reducing the lifespan, even if your dog is only moderately obese.”

The Reality of Dog Obesity

If you notice that your dog is looking a bit heavier than normal, you’re not alone. It is reported that over half of the dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity. While your pup packing on a few pounds may not seem like a critical issue, dog obesity can be debilitating to your pet’s health. Taking your dog’s health into your hands is essential to identifying and preventing obesity. 

The Impact of Excess Body Fat on Dogs

When our dogs exceed their ideal weight, it's not just about appearances; it's about their overall health, too. Excess body fat can really weigh our four-legged pals down, both physically and emotionally. From putting extra strain on their joints to increasing the risk of health issues like diabetes and heart disease, canine obesity can be a serious problem. Plus, carrying around extra weight can dampen their zest for life, making fetch feel more like a chore than a fun game. 

Health Concerns Linked to Dog Obesity

Diabetes : The Bark

The mechanism of diabetes is relatively simple to describe. Just as cars use gas for fuel, body cells run on a sugar called glucose. …In diabetes mellitus, cells don’t take in enough glucose, which then builds up in the blood. As a result, cells starve, and organs bathed in sugary blood are damaged.

The growing diabetes epidemic is not limited to people—diabetes mellitus is increasing among dogs as well. Researchers estimate that one in 200 dogs will develop the disease.

Arthritis : Vet Street

Seeing your dog in pain is never easy. There are many few things you can do to relieve the aches and pains of arthritic dogs. Keeping your dog on the slim side will help decrease the weight load on their joints. Exercise has to be part of the plan. However, you need to make sure you watch your dogs while they play, walk, or run to prevent overworking their joints.

Lung Disorders : The Merck Veterinary Manual

“When the level of oxygen in the blood is too low (called hypoxia or anoxia), the animal will show signs of respiratory distress. […] In addition, heart, kidney, and liver functions may be reduced, as may the normal movement and secretions of the intestine. If the body is not able to compensate for the reduced oxygen level, a “vicious cycle” may begin in which all body tissues function less efficiently.”

Immune Dysfunction : The Merck Manual

“This condition is due to a failure of the body to produce antibodies (immunoglobulins). [...] leading to respiratory infections, digestive system disorders, skin disease, or allergies.

As it is with humans, a dog’s immune functioning is paramount to their overall health. Learning how to boost a dog’s immune system can be key to combating the effects of obesity. 

Other problems:

Cancerous tumors, Pancreatitis, high blood pressure, and hip dysplasia are all possible illnesses related to dog obesity.

Identifying the Need for Weight Loss in Dogs

Many dog owners may be wondering, “How can I tell if my dog needs to lose weight?” Observing subtle signs such as labored breathing, decreased mobility, or difficulty in grooming can indicate that you may have an overweight dog. Also, changes in body shape, including a lack of defined waistline or visible fat deposits, may be red flags for pet owners to be aware of. To ensure our beloved pets lead healthy and active lives, it’s key to notice these warning signs and take action as needed.

Weight Management for Dogs

Helping your dog reach a healthy body weight can be overwhelming for many pet owners, but you're not alone! Thankfully, pet obesity prevention starts with small, actionable steps. Take a look at these suggestions to keep your dog from experiencing unwanted weight gain: 

• Control feeding times and amounts. Free feeding can easily develop into overfeeding, which is one of the most common causes of overweight dogs. 
• Change the food. Look at the label. Like human food, there can be a lot of fats, salts, preservatives, etc. hiding in among all the good stuff. Controlling your dog's caloric intake starts with finding nutritious, raw dog food for them to enjoy. 
• And of course… exercise. Let your dog run around at an off-leash park, or go for hikes… even a walk around the neighborhood can make a world of difference in keeping your pets at a healthy weight.

Meet Olive: A Case Study in Dog Weight Loss

She is an eight-year-old cattle dog (red heeler) who gained some excess weight over the years. 

We checked in with one of our favorite vets, Jackie Sehn at Mercy Vet on Mercer Island in Washington. Ouch. Olive was more than a few pounds’ overweight. According to Dr. Sehn, she needed to lose 10 pounds. Not so easy to do.

So, her family decided to put her on a healthy diet before these pesky pounds turned into real health issues caused by obesity.

Thanks to major changes in Olive’s diet, she was able to shed those pounds—and gain a healthier, happier lifestyle along with it. At Darwin’s, our aim is to help your pets live their best lives. Explore our full range of product offerings today to see how we can help you improve your pet’s overall health.

Join us as we track of Olive’s progress, posting updates, vet visits and videos.