As we arrive at the holiday season, many people are watching their waistlines. Turns out, it may be important to do the same for pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2015 as much as 54% of dogs were overweight or obese – that’s nearly 42 million dogs! APOP is categorizing this as an epidemic, with pet obesity rates rising each year, and owners frequently not recognizing the symptoms.
Why is Obesity a Problem?
Long-term obesity in dogs is linked to many conditions and diseases, including high blood pressure, heat intolerance, diabetes, liver disease, osteoarthritis, difficulty breathing, and cancer. Generally speaking, an obese dog can expect to live several years less than a fit and healthy counterpart. Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet and adequate exercise to keep them feeling great.
How can owners make sure their pup is getting what he or she needs? Here are a few ideas to get started:
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Consult a Vet
As many owners do not recognize the symptoms of obesity, regular vet visits can be useful to help determine a pet’s status. A vet will be able to tell if a dog falls into either the overweight or obese categories. He or she can also check the dog’s overall health, as any fitness or diet changes will be affected by conditions the dog may have. Exercise and diet for dogs is based not only on weight, but on breed, sex, and age. A veterinarian is trained to help pet owners understand what exactly their dog needs, and can give specific suggestions and recommendations for the particular animal.
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Balanced Diet
The reason dogs become overweight or obese is that their caloric intake doesn’t match their activity level. What does that mean? It means that dogs are eating too much and not exercising enough. Therefore, one of the easiest ways to help dogs lose weight is to manage their diet more closely.
A veterinarian can give advice and suggestions, but the fix can be as easy as just measuring out a pet’s food. Dog food bags have recommended serving sizes on the side, and following these exactly can make sure that the animal is receiving the right amount of calories. If owners are consistent in measuring food correctly and feeding on a schedule, it can be reassuring for the dog. He or she will know when and how much food to expect, and may even stop obsessing so much over food in between meals.
Meals are not the only place that it can be easy to for dogs to overindulge. Snacks are a common culprit for upping the calorie count. Owners may consider cutting back on snacks, or exchanging high-calorie dog treats for healthier options, like crunchy vegetables or apple slices. Yes, fruits and veggies are good for dogs too!
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Safe Exercise
Another way to balance the calorie surplus is to get the dog moving. There are many activities owners may consider, including walking, jogging, swimming, going to a dog park, or inviting another dog over to play. Another possibility is taking dogs to a dog training class. Dog training can provide exercise, and also reaps the benefits of allowing owners and dogs to work together to create better habits and behaviors.
Before starting any exercise regime, it is important to consult a vet for the reasons noted above. Start slowly and gently introduce the dog to a new activity. As the dog becomes more used to the activity, it becomes possible to up the rigor, either by moving faster, adding distance, or going out for longer.
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Find the Time
In this busy world, it can be difficult to find time to take a pet out for long enough to address their needs. Owners may need to get creative with how they accommodate their animals. For instance, instead of going to the gym, consider going for a walk or jog with Fido on the leash.
If it’s just too difficult to find time, busy owners may consider placing their dog in a kennel or dog daycare like Pet Peeves, LLC..Pet Peeves doesn’t just keep the dog during the day, but make sure that pets have adequate play and exercise time in order to keep them healthy and happy. Think of taking dogs to the kennel or dog daycare as we do taking kids to daycare– it’s a bright, happy place with people working hard to make sure the dog’s needs are met.
Also worth mentioning is the possibility of leaving pets at a dog boarding house for extended vacations. There are a number of dog boarding houses in the Golden and Lakewood area that provide a great alternative for care, ensuring that dogs receive the exercise and attention they need while their owners are gone.
A Final Word
Dogs rely on their owners to make decisions that will keep them healthy. Feeding pets healthy food in the correct amounts, making sure they receive enough exercise, and scheduling appropriate visits to the vet are part of the responsibility of owning a pet. Using the tips above and working hand-in-hand with a good veterinarian will help owners meet their dogs’ needs and keep man’s best friend fit and happy.
