Canine obesity refers to an excess of white adipose tissue and is normally the result of energy intake exceeding energy expenditure. Obesity is associated with decreased life span, decreased mobility, diabetes, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, difficulty breathing, difficulty grooming, increased risk of hyperthermia and increased risk of cancer. Obesity in pets leads to increased veterinary costs and decreased quality of life. Approximately one in three veterinary patients is considered overweight. Increased veterinary costs, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of cancer associates obesity. Simple dietary changes, exercise, and awareness are suggested and show results if followed closely.
Obesity Average Cost
From 15 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$220
Symptoms of obesity in dogs include:
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The following factors can contribute to obesity in dogs:
Environment
Physiology
Surgery
Medications
Diseases
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Obesity is diagnosed by measuring dogs body weight and obtaining a body condition score (BCS). At home, the easiest way to determine obesity is to follow the body condition score system. There are various methods of assigning an actual number to the BCS, but all BCS charts use the following general body condition measuring system.
Body Condition Measurements:
If your pet scores as overweight or obese using the above body condition measurements, you may want to visit the veterinarian to rule out any underlying causes and begin a weight management protocol. Your veterinarian will weigh your pet and obtain a body condition score. Results are then compared to breed standards (i.e. certain lean breeds such as the greyhound and most sight hounds will be at a normal weight even when ribs are visible from a distance).
Excess body weight of 10-15 percent is considered obese. In a nine point BCS scoring system, a score greater than seven is considered obese.
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Treatment of obesity in dogs focuses on weight loss followed by maintenance of a healthy weight for life. As in humans, a decrease in caloric intake and increase in exercise is the healthy way to produce weight loss. Your veterinarian will provide recommendations on portion sizes, feeding times, treat frequency, proper foods, and exercise options.
High-protein, low-fat foods produce optimal weight loss as protein and fiber stimulate metabolism and increase satiety. Eliminating table scraps and treats is important. Feeding green beans and other vegetables is a good alternative to treats. There are a wide variety of commercial and prescription dog foods available in both canned and kibble that are formulated for weight loss and maintenance. Homemade diets are not recommended as they often lack in daily vitamin and mineral requirements.
Exercise is as important as diet in reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight. There are a variety of options for exercise including thirty minutes per day of leash walking (you can break this up into 10 minute increments), outdoor games, treadmill training and swimming (dog spas have pools and treadmills for exercise). Taking your pet for an afternoon at a dog day care two to three times a week can induce playtime and exercise.
If you dog eats too fast, a special bowl that requires the pet to work to get each piece of food is available at most pet stores. Another good tool is a treat ball that dispenses treats only if your dog rolls it around (increasing exercise). Dog training is a fun way for both owner and pet to get exercise, but try rewarding your pet with green beans rather than high calorie treats.
Dietary changes must be made gradually to avoid upsetting the gastrointestinal tract. Unless your veterinarian instructs otherwise, once a new food is purchased, mix half of the new food with half of the old food and feed this mixture for 7 days. Thereafter, you can safely feed the new food only.
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Once your pet begins a weight management protocol, body weight should be checked monthly to confirm that the protocol is working. Most veterinary clinics offer free use of their scales to weight pets with no appointment necessary. Adjustments to the exercise and diet protocol may be needed as weight changes occur.
Be sure that dietary changes are explained to family and friends clearly to keep the pet free from exposure to table scraps or disposed food. A weight management protocol that is carefully followed is effective and safe. Once a healthy weight is achieved, a maintenance diet and exercise schedule should be followed for the life of the pet.
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Obesity Average Cost
From 15 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$220
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Caspar
Golden Retriever
10 Months
Fair severity
4 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Hi my dog got neutering done a week back and is now alright. We have to go to the vet and get the stitches removed to tomorrow. But ever since his surgery was done he has started to become very hungry. He used to eat alot before the surgery too but after the surgery it has become impossible to control his hunger. He demands for food all the time and has to go to poop all the time. Just today morning he pooped three times. His hunger is getting out of hand now and I'm afraid he has obesity.
July 26, 2017
Caspar's Owner
4 Recommendations
An increase in hunger and a reduction in activity after neutering may lead to a gain in weight; this can be adjusted by altering his diet to a lower calorie diet or a weight loss diet that will allow you to adjust his weight. These options can be discussed with your Veterinarian when you get the stitches out. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Obesity Average Cost
From 15 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$220
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