OBESITY IN DOGS

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat that has negative effect on health and longevity.

When dogs consume calories, which exceed their daily energy expenditure then a positive energy balance occurs. When positive imbalance is sustained, the excess energy is stored in adipose tissue and overweight or obese body condition develop due to excessive body fat.

Adipose tissue secretes bio-active proteins substances which affecting many body systems, increase oxidative stress and cause low grade inflammation.

Obesity is classified as a medical condition as it shares patterns of chronical disease. It is predisposing factor and may leads to

• reduced lifespan,

• reduced stamina,

• compromised immune system,

• decreased heat tolerance,

• diabetes mellitus,

• urinary tract disease,

• heart disease,

• liver disease,

• orthopaedic disorders,

• arthritis,

• kidney stone disease,

• reduced quality of life

Some breeds are more likely to become obese. From greater risk are dogs from Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Cairn terriers, cocker spaniels, long-haired dachshunds, Shetland sheepdogs, basset hounds, cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, Dalmatian dogs and beagles*.

If you have a dog prone to obesity, perform body condition scoring regularly at home. See here easy to follow instructions.

Feeding goal for obese and overweight dogs is to achieve safe weight loss and prevention of regain of lost weight.

Traditional method for reducing body weight of your dogs by simply decreasing his or her daily caloric intake may lead to nutrients deficiency. Request tailor made weight loss plan that matches your dog needs here.

Reference:

*Mason, 1970; Edney and Smith, 1986; Lund, 2007.