We've all seen the photos of fat pets. Dogs that look like ottomans, they can barely walk like a normal dog, let alone run & play like one. We all know that obese & overweight pets are prone to serious health issues & diseases, right? Things such as:
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Disease
Osteoarthritis
Complications with anesthesia
and a shorter life expectancy (generally two years shorter than that of healthy dogs)
Yet, this is the most common nutritional disorder in the US, with an much as 34% of our canine population suffering from it. How can that be? We love our dogs! Sometimes people refer to this as "loving them to death". But, maybe, we just don't know what constitutes an unhealthy weight for our dog.
She's not fat...She's fluffy!
When trying to address weight issues with dog owners I have heard several explanations, like..."it's mostly hair". Or..."Yeah, but she's solid!". Or even..."My vet said she looked fine". All of these can be valid points. Unfortunately I am finding, more and more, that veterinarians and pet professionals are not addressing this adequately this with their clients. Perhaps this is because it is a sensitive topic. But it doesn't need to be! Stating that your dog is overweight is not a personal attack on you, but it is a wonderful opportunity to make some changes for the better!
It's a Hand On kinda thing
I am going to tell you exactly what I tell all of my clients. Get hands on with your dog! I recommend regular massage and stretching for every dog. If you are massaging your dog everyday, you'll have a very good idea what their body feels like and be able to watch for changes.
To determine if your dog is currently at a healthy weight: Stand over her, you should be able to see a waistline and easily feel all of her ribs. Now, regardless of your breed, think of a short coated dog. When standing, I would like to be able to see the last one or two of her ribs, and when she goes around a corner, I want to be able to see all of them. That's an ideal weight for me! (There is a lovely guide from the Pet Obesity Project that details this with illustrations here.)
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the easiest and most effective measures you can take to keep your companion healthy. They'll look and feel better, and you'll feel great knowing that you are taking a proactive step in their longevity & health!
**Note: If you currently have a dog who is struggling with weight issues, please check out our previous post on healthy weight loss**
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