Causes and harms of obesity in dogs. Obesity in dogs: why is it dangerous? Treatment for obesity in dogs

02.09.2023

Since pets have become not only helpers, but family members, they have been touched by the problems of mankind: smoking, low activity, and, of course, obesity. According to statistics, about 40% of four-legged pets suffer from this disease! And the most obvious solution - a diet for dogs with obesity - does not always lead to the desired result. How can you help your pet lose weight?

Any dog, even an inactive breed, is beautiful and perfect in movement. Even a plump pug, if he is in good condition, admires the agility of jumping and agility of running. When the symptoms of obesity in dogs show up, it is impossible to look at the pet without sympathy: increasing shortness of breath, waddling, saggy belly, “chicken hams” and “hippo butt”. This is no longer a child of nature, but an unfortunate victim of human irresponsibility or "excessive love", expressed in systematic overfeeding.

The owner must be not only loving, but also responsible. And a responsible person will not look at the fading health of a pet. You should not justify obesity in dogs by saying that “looking into these sad begging eyes, I can’t help but treat my joy to another piece of sausage.” A person who is overweight is aware of the problem and consciously takes risks without taking any action. A dog is a creature of captivity, the choice for it is made by the owner.

Right today, announce to your family that by a strong-willed decision you are vetoing any sweets, flour, sausages and other handouts from the table. Replace sweets with fruits and vegetables, cakes with lean children's biscuits, and sausages with special dog treats.

Read also: Tail curl in dogs: 8 main causes

Why is obesity dangerous?

In short, obesity for a dog is a reduction in life expectancy. What form it will take is anyone's guess: problems with the liver and kidneys, heart disease, weak immunity, sore joints, hormonal disruptions, skin diseases, diabetes, blindness, and so on, almost ad infinitum.

The breeds most prone to obesity: all Molossians, Pekingese and Pugs, Cockers, Dachshunds, Labradors, Bolonkas, Shelties and Collies, Beagles and Bassets. The owners of representatives of these breeds must carefully select the menu and make sure that the gourmet does not overeat.

In addition, overweight itself is dangerous because even a slight degree of obesity leads to even greater obesity. And the treatment of obesity in dogs, when the sly one is no longer just overweight, but resembles a bedside table on crooked legs or a bun with legs, is a long and nervous task. Therefore, you should not take it to extremes: you noticed extra folds and expressive roundness - take action right away.

Causes of obesity

Before making a drastic change in diet, you need to visit a veterinarian. Of course, banal overfeeding and an unbalanced menu are the main helpers of the disease. But dog food for obesity is not always effective. It is important to take into account the age of the pet and the degree of its activity. It does not hurt to take tests: diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and gastrointestinal tract, hormonal disorders, chronic stress must be treated with medication. In the case of a latent disease, diet alone will not help, and sometimes even hurt.

Read also: How is rabies transmitted in dogs?

Feeding for obesity

If the pet is sick, and not just irritated from the broad master's soul, the veterinarian prescribes a diet for dogs with obesity. As mentioned above, the effectiveness of changing the diet will be sufficient only if you take the chronic disease under control. In cases where excess weight is the result of overfeeding, you can try to help your pet on your own.

Natural feeding: low-fat white fish, veal, white poultry meat, vegetables and fruits, cereals, dairy products. Of course, no goodies from the table, sausages and sweets, fried, flour and salty. The portion should be reduced gradually: we remove 10% from the total amount of products and divide the entire volume into three (obesity in a large dog) or four (decoration) doses. If you feed your pet once or twice a day, filling the bowl to the brim, the fight against the disease will last more than one year. So that the reduced amount of meat and fish does not cause a deficiency of macro- and microelements, bone meal (or ready-made mineral supplements) and vitamins should be added to food.

Pets often suffer from excess weight resulting from an excess of love for food or health problems. Often, the owners themselves indulge their pet with delicious pieces, as a result, the one who looked like a cute, well-fed lump can become an immense ball, moving with difficulty and having a bunch of health problems.

Excess weight in dogs leads to disruption of the normal functioning of the internal organs, ranging from minor failures to serious diseases that require long-term treatment and a large investment of funds. The main problems in this area include:

Diabetes;
Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, deterioration of blood flow;
Diseases of the liver and kidneys;
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas (gastritis, ulcer, pancreatitis);
Respiratory dysfunction, risk of respiratory disease;
Hormonal, endocrine diseases;
Dermatological problems;
Blindness.

In addition, obesity and the accompanying low mobility negatively affect the musculoskeletal system. It becomes difficult for the animal to run, jump, and simply move around, the spine sags, and additional stress is placed on the joints.

An overweight dog is more likely to have the following problems:

Sprains and ruptures of ligaments;
Arthritis, arthrosis, other diseases of the joints;
Violation of the functions of the spine;
Dysplasia of the hip and shoulder joints.

It can be added that in addition to the above difficulties, dogs that have extra pounds, as a rule, do not look very neat, have hair problems and, most importantly, live much less.

Possible causes of obesity

The most common cause of overweight problems is the usual overeating. The dog either eats too high-calorie food, or the amount of food is too large for its complexion and activity.

Diseases, helminths and stress reactions rarely act as a source of obesity, the main problem lies in the dog's diet and activity, however, to identify the cause and choose a subsequent method of struggle, it is better to first contact a veterinarian.

The main types of diets

Depending on the goal, dietary nutrition can be aimed at combating excess weight, allergies, or various diseases.

hypoallergenic diet

Many dogs have difficulty tolerating certain foods. It is often quite difficult to determine what exactly a negative reaction has appeared to. If the menu remained familiar, but a new ingredient was added, then first of all it should be excluded and the dynamics of the state should be monitored.

If the situation has not changed, or there was nothing new in the diet, then the most optimal would be to transfer the animal to professional food of a special line for allergy sufferers. It is designed so that it should not provoke a negative reaction after eating.

If this is not possible, or the owner is a supporter of a natural type of nutrition, then one should 2-3 weeks completely change the pet's menu, and give him only products that he has not used before. For example, replace beef with a rabbit (if a dog has never eaten it), millet for rice, etc. Naturally, these products must be hypoallergenic. After the allotted time, products from the previous diet are introduced one at a time and observed for 1-2 weeks behind the reaction. If everything is fine, then turn on the next element, and so on, until an allergen from the previous type of food is found.

While staying on a hypoallergenic menu, cereals, chicken, eggs, cheese, smoked meats, and sweets are excluded from it. You can leave rice, fish, even if the dog has previously eaten them. Zucchini, cucumbers, lamb meat, turkey are allowed on the menu.

If the pet has become lethargic and inactive, its ribs are not palpable under the skin, and in general it looks more rounded, then it is worth taking it to the veterinarian. The specialist must conduct an examination and make the necessary tests. If a pet has been diagnosed as obese and does not have a disease that could be the source, a new nutritional program must be drawn up and adhered to.

As a rule, the problem is the owner overfeeding the animal or its increased appetite due to the change in hormonal levels after castration. The diet, in this case, should be based on the following principles:

Food should be reduced by 10-20% , also meals should be frequent, at regular intervals. It is recommended to calculate how many calories a pet should receive, divide this figure for 3-4 doses. The norm for dry food is indicated on the package, for natural food, the guideline is 3% of body weight per day.
Include only the right foods in your diet. Dog should not starve, but saturation can be achieved in a more humane way.
The transition to a new type of diet should be gradual and accompanied by feasible physical activity.
Prohibited products must be absolutely excluded. You can not succumb to the requests of the pet, show pity, and also allow this from relatives and guests.
Treats are allowed only during training, it is better to reduce their number or replace them with carrots, another useful product.
Porridge should be boiled only in low-fat broth, with a minimum presence of salt. Fruits are only possible in limited quantities, because. contain a lot of sugar. All dairy products must be fat-free.
It is possible to use ready-made dry food and canned food for losing weight dogs from special lines.

Diet for kidney disease

Nutrition in this case depends on the specific diagnosis and test results, and is prescribed by a veterinarian.

From the general recommendations, it can be noted that the phosphorus content in the feed should be reduced. On average, the recommended intake is at the level 15-60 mg/kg body weight, it all depends on the severity and nature of the disease. Rich in phosphorus, and therefore need to be limited in use (not completely abolished): yolk, bones, dairy products, fish, offal, brown rice, millet, barley, oatmeal.

Low phosphorus content in the following foods:

Vegetables(zucchini, collard greens, green peppers, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers) chopped;
Fruits(apple, pear, pineapple, peach, banana, mango, papaya) - you can not cut it finely;
Cereals(rice flakes, white rice, semolina);
Honey.

Cooked foods contain less phosphorus than raw foods, while baked foods are in between.

The question of reducing the amount of protein is still controversial, we can recommend its moderate consumption.

The inclusion of fats in the diet is also recommended.(animal, not plant origin), in moderation and without abruptly adding a full dose to the daily menu. Fermented milk products (for example, fermented baked milk) are useful.
From vitamins and trace elements are recommended: vitamins E, C(ascorbic acid), B1, B6, B12, coenzyme Q10, iron(separate from vitamin E). Contraindicated: vitamin D, complex preparations, limited A.
For sick dogs, water (boiled or filtered) should always be available.
Food should be given in small portions, but often.

Diet for diseases of the stomach and liver

In both cases, an increase in the number of meals up to 4-6 is required due to a decrease in its volume..

All food must be warm.(not hot and not cold), finely chopped or mashed.
For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract(gastritis, dyspepsia, pancreatitis, colitis, etc.) any rough and fatty foods should be excluded, as well as typically human (smoked meats, marinades, fried, salty, sweets and cookies, buns).
Can be given skinless chicken, turkey, rabbit, fish.
From cereals- well-boiled rice, oatmeal.
It is possible to use some vegetables(carrots, zucchini), eggs, limited dairy products.
All products must be only boiled.

In liver diseases and cholecystitis, a reduction in the amount of fat in the dog's food is required, the supply of carbohydrates only in a form that is easy to digest. All food should be boiled or stewed.

lean meats and poultry;
rice;
cereals;
buckwheat grain;
dairy products, cottage cheese and cheese;
egg white;
pumpkin, zucchini, cucumbers, carrots.

Forbidden: fatty and fried foods, legumes, cabbage, yolk is given to a limited extent.

Features of the transition to diet food

Transferring an animal to a new type of food depends on the source of the problem. If this is due to medical requirements (for diseases of the kidneys, stomach, allergies, etc.), then action must be taken immediately. The appropriate diet and diet are selected for the pet and begin to adhere to it. The timing depends on the indications of the dog's body and is adjusted by the veterinarian.

As for the diet for obesity, here the transition should be gradual.
During 7-14 days transfer to 3-4 meals a day, gradually reduce the amount of food, and change one or two products at a time in the diet.
Treats and top dressing should be removed immediately.

Some pets may perceive this behavior as dissatisfaction with them, so it is recommended to show them more attention, play, stroke, talk so that they do not feel offended.

In parallel with the diet, you need to accustom the pet to physical activity. The intensity should be feasible for the pet. Gradually, on 5-10 minutes increase walks on a flat road, then add climbs, walking on pebbles. Only after a significant weight loss - running, jumping.
Also includes games that the pet will like (rolling the ball, fetching, searching for a toy, etc.).

With good dynamics of weight loss, as well as excellent health, the complexity and time of classes can be increased. The main thing is not to give a sharp load, which the animal's heart system and its joints may not be able to withstand.

Foods for obesity

You should not deprive your pet of delicious food or give a monotonous menu, he can eat fully, you just need to select the right foods, carefully adhere to the diet and avoid snacking. It is important that the feed contains more protein and carbohydrates to a minimum.

Foods to Increase

Low-fat meats, poultry (chicken, turkey, rabbit, lamb, beef);
Vegetables (carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumbers);
Low-calorie ocean fish (boiled, boneless) - flounder, navaga, blue whiting, pollock, cod, pink salmon, etc .;
Sour-milk products with a low percentage of fat content (kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese);
Vitamins, bone meal (to compensate for the lack of trace elements).

Foods to Reduce

The presence of the following products on the menu, losing weight pet is recommended to reduce:

Fatty varieties of meat and fish (pork, beef with fat, bacon, halibut, saury, mackerel, herring), broth from them;
Porridge (reduce volume, especially wheat, millet, semolina);
Fat (preferably vegetable oils, limited);
Fruits (only in small quantities);
Salt.

You should highlight the list of products that lead to problems with excess weight and health. They should be excluded from the menu, both a healthy dog and a dog with problems:

Bakery and confectionery products (butter, premium flour, sweet, biscuits, cakes, etc.);
Sausages, smoked meats, sausages;
Marinades, spicy, salty and fried foods.

Diet and food for dogs

Professional dog food companies usually have special dietary product lines in their assortment. There are the following varieties:

low calorie- designed for animals with a high body weight. They have a reduced energy value, contain a limited number of calories, due to a decrease in carbohydrates. Designed to satisfy hunger, but without unnecessary overeating.

Hypoallergenic- do not contain dyes, artificial flavors, flavors. Usually, the composition does not contain chicken meat, eggs, but there is a rabbit, lamb, salmon. From grains, instead of traditional wheat, rice is included or the food is made completely grain-free. There are vegetables (except potatoes).

Age and depending on the condition of the dog - are intended for the following categories of animals:

Elderly (low-calorie, composed of calcium and chondroitin);
Puppies (high energy value, vitamin D and calcium included);
Lactating and pregnant females (increased content of minerals, vitamin E, folic acid);
Weakened and depleted (a large amount of protein, omega-3 fats, chondroitin, taste qualities are enhanced);
Castrated (low calorie content, the content of components that prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder).

Therapeutic - for dogs with health problems and differ in the microelements included in the composition. There are varieties to combat diseases:

Kidneys (reduced amount of protein, sodium and phosphorus);
Gastrointestinal tract (contains only components that do not damage or irritate the walls of the stomach and intestines), as a rule, with stomach diseases, they are transferred to wet food;
Liver and gallbladder (reduced fat, protein and carbohydrates in an easy-to-digest form);
Joints and spine (as part of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chondroitin, glucosamine);
Cardiovascular system (contains taurine, L-carnitine, phosphorus, potassium, supporting myocardial contractility, reduced sodium content);
Exchange character (low calorie content, the amount of carbohydrates is reduced, there are no simple sugars).

As for the brands, these lines are presented in high-quality feeds from firms,.

The decision on the appointment of medicinal varieties is made by the veterinarian after a preliminary examination. Most often, they are appointed for a certain period of time, until the normalization of indicators.

Obesity negatively affects the normal functioning of the dog's organs and can significantly shorten his life. A proper diet and diet will help keep your pet in good shape. This can be achieved by choosing the right natural products or using special professional feeds. Of course, any diet should be accompanied by physical activity and attention to the pet.

A plump, “soft” dog, funny waddling on its paws, causes tenderness among others, but extra pounds do not benefit the pet. Diseases of the heart, blood vessels, liver, diabetes, shortness of breath, joint damage are far from all the negative consequences of weight gain in excess of permissible norms.

Why do small breed dogs develop obesity? How much dry food to give a four-legged pet? How to choose high quality food? What to do if a small dog gained extra pounds? How to prevent obesity in Yorkies, pugs, dachshunds, chihuahuas and other breeds? Answers in the article.

Causes of excess weight in a pet

Factors that provoke the development of obesity:

excess in the diet of high-carbohydrate foods;
the dog receives economy-class dry food, which negatively affects the rate of metabolic processes, digestion, and liver function;
lack of physical activity: the dog is often carried on hands, they are not let off the leash in the park, walks are shorter than expected for a particular breed. Some owners are too lazy to take long walks, accustom a small breed dog to a tray and make this type of defecation the main one;
it’s bad when the animal lies on the couch next to the owner for hours, watches TV, moves a little throughout the day. If the future owner does not want to regularly take the dog outside and walk for the prescribed time, then it is worth getting a cat or a domestic rodent;
the owner chose the wrong food for the pet: the granules contain a lot of fats and carbohydrates, the calorie content is higher. For inactive dogs and animals prone to obesity, many well-known nutrition brands offer special diets with a reduced calorie content;
the animal receives more pellets per day than indicated in the table, according to the level of activity. It is important to pay attention to this column: a constant difference of 10-30 grams can lead to the accumulation of extra pounds in a sedentary dog.

A few more reasons:

the pet suffers from metabolic disorders. Hormonal failures, endocrine diseases are inextricably linked with obesity and are often combined: a vicious circle is obtained;
elderly age. In dogs, just like in humans, as we age, our metabolism slows down, which leads to the accumulation of fat. If the animal walks a little on the street, receives too high-calorie food, then the likelihood of gaining excess body weight increases dramatically;
a neutered dog is fed a normal, above-average calorie diet. An important nuance that not all owners pay attention to. Do not save on the health of the animal: many brands offer pelleted food for neutered dogs, the receipt of which reduces the risk of gaining excess weight;
the dog steals food from the table, or the owner and family members themselves feed the animal with sausages, salads, smoked meats, chips, fried meat, and other dishes that negatively affect the digestion process and the whole body;
the pet receives too many treats as a reward for tricks and following commands. Some dogs are so cute that they take advantage of this and often beg. It's hard to resist a Havana or a Yorkie with a funny face begging for a bite of treats.

Breed Predisposition

Some dogs, due to their constitution and genetic propensity to gain weight, are more likely to be obese. When choosing a puppy, you need to check with the breeder whether a similar problem is possible in the future.

Need to know: With obesity, a dog has a lot of health problems, which negatively affects the life of the pet. If the future owner is warned in advance, then when choosing the optimal diet and physical activity, you can avoid gaining extra pounds and serious consequences for the body.

Obesity is more common in breeds:

beagle;

How to understand that a dog is obese: symptoms

How to determine excess body weight in a dachshund, pug, Yorkie, Chihuahua, King Chalz Spaniel and other breeds of small dogs? Bulky belly, heavy gait, accumulation of fat in the lower part of the body, change in appearance, larger size of the pet than required by breed standards are signs that are pronounced in moderate and severe obesity. The appearance of these symptoms is a signal that requires urgent attention to solve the problem.

Do not allow the dog to gain body weight significantly above the norm. It is important to pay attention to the first symptoms of excess body weight in time.

Among them:

shortness of breath after short exertion;
the dog became lazy;
fast fatiguability;
frequent constipation with a decrease in intestinal motility due to the pet's low mobility;
increased sweating;
the pet does not tolerate heat well.

Studies show that despite the clear signs of overweight in four-legged pets, a fifth of the owners are not sure that the dog is developing obesity. With this approach, it is difficult to return the weight to normal if the owner of the pug or dachshund sees no problem. Due to excess weight, the risk of chronic pathologies, hormonal disorders and early mortality in dogs is higher than in pets with optimal body weight. The sooner the dog owner understands that excess weight harms the animal, the easier it is to normalize body weight and restore health to the pet.

Classification

Stages of obesity:

first- weight is more than normal by 5-10%;
second- excess weight reaches 20%;
third- extra pounds in a dog more than 30-40% of the optimal body weight;
fourth- the pet's weight exceeds the allowable limits by 50% or more.

The danger of obesity for a pet

Extra pounds are not only a decrease in the level of activity of the dog and an unattractive appearance. The accumulation of extra pounds negatively affects the functioning of internal organs, skin condition, metabolic processes, joints, the ability to conceive, and the production of hormones.

Consequences of obesity, especially stage II-IV:

lameness;
heavy breathing, wheezing even with a small load;
high blood pressure, tachycardia;
development of diabetes mellitus;
hormonal disruptions, difficulty conceiving and bearing puppies;
fatty hepatosis (liver damage);
rupture of the articular ligaments;
displacement of the vertebral discs, especially in pets with a disproportionately long body of basset hounds and dachshunds;
arthritis and arthrosis (deformity and inflammation of the joints);
high sensitivity to the action of high temperature in the street: obese dogs are the first to get heat stroke.

Important! The list of negative effects of obesity in dogs is long. Owners of four-legged pets should consider whether to give the Dachshund, King Charles Spaniel, Pug or Yorkie a treat in excess or limit physical activity.

Diagnostics

The appearance of the signs indicated in the section "How to understand that a dog is obese" is a reason for an urgent visit to the veterinary clinic. It is important to find out what stage of the pathological process the dog has, what complications develop against the background of excess weight.

The veterinarian compares the actual body weight with the standard for a particular breed and identifies the level of variation. It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the dog (the ratio of height and weight - body mass index), if the pet is outbred.

An obligatory element of diagnostics is a detailed conversation with the owner of the dog, finding out the type of food, diet, bad habits (begging, stealing food from the table), and the level of activity of the pet. Often, already at the first stage, the doctor understands what is the cause of obesity in a four-legged friend.

Exceeding the actual readings when compared with the norm is a reason for an additional examination of the pet. Often the animal has problems with the joints, liver, hormonal levels. The veterinarian will order a blood test to check cholesterol levels and liver enzymes. It is important to figure out if there are any endocrine pathologies that often accompany obesity. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, thyroid gland, blood tests for hormones and glucose levels are additional diagnostic methods.

Treatment

It is important not only to reduce the calorie content of the diet, but also to increase the level of physical activity. For any questions, please consult your veterinarian.

Diet and nutritional correction

low-calorie super premium food or holistic;
special granulated food from the Veterinary Diet series for pets prone to obesity;
reducing the calorie content of the diet when receiving natural products: the exclusion of potatoes, rice, fatty meat and fish;
if the dog receives prohibited foods: cookies, buns, chocolate, chips, sweets, fatty hard cheese, then urgently stop the harmful practice and refuse to feed the pet junk food;
observe the drinking regimen: there should always be fresh water in the bowl;
give treats in small quantities (small pieces of hard cheese) as a reward during training. Instead of biscuits, crunchy slices (dog treats) by Arden Grange are useful.

Physical exercise

walk more, but do not overload the dog, especially in the severe stage of obesity;
letting your pet off the leash at the dog park or in the park;
regularly take the pet outside, make sure that the animal relieves itself mainly in the air, and not in the tray;
avoid sedentary pastime with the dog in the apartment;
buy pet toys that encourage active movements, such as a ball.

Learn the instructions for use of the drug Propalin for dogs with urinary incontinence and inflammation of the bladder.

About how a cold in dogs manifests itself and how to treat the disease is written on this page.

Go to the address and read about how to prepare a dog for spaying and how to help the animal recover from the procedure.

Prevention

proper nutrition, taking into account energy costs;
decrease in caloric content of the diet with age and after castration of the dog;
optimal level of physical activity;
timely treatment of endocrine diseases;
control of the course of chronic pathologies;
teaching the pet the right behavior so that the animal does not steal food from the table;
moderate encouragement of the dog with treats during training;
selection of specialized feeds with a tendency to obesity, slow metabolism or digestive problems.

Allowing your dog to be overweight can dramatically shorten his lifespan. Overweight dogs are more prone to diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, cancer, and other debilitating ailments. By carrying extra weight, a fat dog puts additional stress on his joints and spine, which can lead to arthritis. If your dog is overweight, it is in his best interests and yours to see to it that he loses weight as soon as possible.

Steps

Part 1

Finding out if your dog is overweight

Assess the appearance of the dog. Dogs of the same breed can look different depending on their body type, and how your dog looks will allow you to understand whether he is overweight or not. You should look at the contours of the dog's body from above and from the side to assess its current condition.

Check the dog's ribs. Another method for assessing a dog's weight is to check its ribs. Place your hands on the sides of your dog's chest to feel his ribs. In a dog of normal weight, you will not see them externally, but you can easily feel them with your hands. If you can't feel your dog's ribs, this is a sign that he is overweight.

Weigh the dog. There are a number of tables indicating the ideal limits for the weight of a dog, taking into account its breed. They can be found on the Internet. Remember that these tables are based on average weight values typical for a particular breed. However, each dog should be evaluated individually.

Part 2

Developing a Weight Loss Plan for a Dog

Visit the vet. If your dog is overweight or in doubt, you should contact your veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to assess the weight of the dog, discuss with you the possible reasons for the overweight and give you recommendations on how much the dog should lose, at least in the first stage of losing weight.

Develop a dog feeding plan with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to help you develop a specific weight loss plan for your dog to achieve a healthy weight. The plan may include switching to a diet specifically designed for weight loss, recommending treats, adjusting portion sizes and feeding frequency, and increasing exercise.

As a last resort, consider using diet pills. There are diet pills specifically designed for dogs. These tablets work by reducing the animal's appetite. You need to be aware that their use may be accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Tablets should only be used as a last resort in perfectly healthy dogs, and only after ruling out possible medical causes of weight gain and the impossibility of self-reduction.
Whether this method of losing weight is suitable for your dog can only be determined by a veterinarian.

Part 3

Following a weight loss plan

Feed your dog a diet specially formulated for weight loss. Your veterinarian can help you choose what to feed your dog. The necessary solution may be to simply reduce portions or switch to a weight loss brand of food.
- There are special diets for dogs designed to reduce weight, as well as diets to maintain weight after the dog reaches its optimal weight. These diets contain fewer calories and more fiber so that the dog feels full despite receiving a reduced amount of calories. These diets are usually more expensive than simple dog food and are more often reserved for cases where significant weight loss is needed or when simply reducing portions does not help.
Measure your dog's serving size at each meal. This will allow you to easily notice a change in her appetite, which may indicate the appearance of any problems. This is even more important than trying to get the dog to lose weight. You need to know exactly how much your dog is eating to find out how effective your plan is and if it needs to be adjusted.
- If you have other dogs at home, you may need to separate them during feeding times. Make sure each dog gets their own meal by placing the pets in separate rooms for feedings until all the food has been eaten.
Keep track of how much food your dog eats per day, including treats, and how much exercise he gets. You can use a measuring cup when feeding your dog, but weighing the food will be a more accurate way of ensuring your dog has the correct amount.

Reduce or eliminate the use of unhealthy treats. Most dog treats on the market are too calorie dense, similar to human candy. While reduced-calorie treats are also available, you can virtually eliminate calories from treats by making your own healthier treats for your dog.

Give your dog more exercise. Physical activity will tone the dog's muscles, improve metabolism and help normalize weight. The mathematics of calculating the dynamics of a dog's weight is quite simple. The number of calories consumed minus the calories expended during the day will determine whether the dog will lose weight or not. By developing an exercise plan, you can improve your dog's metabolism and overall health.

Give your dog mental stimulation. Surprisingly, mental stimulation may be just as important for weight loss as exercise. Dogs often overeat because of a lack of attention (the dog is asking for the attention of the owner, and he thinks that she is hungry) or out of boredom.
- When a dog seeks your attention, try playing with or brushing it instead of feeding it right away.
- In addition, try not just to put a bowl of food in front of the dog, but to get him to be smart. If your dog has to think to get food, the chances of overeating will decrease. There are ready-made puzzle feeders, but you can get away with home remedies: for example, sprinkle feed pellets in the grass (if you have your own garden) or put it in a cardboard box.

Part 4

Tracking the dynamics of weight and adjusting the weight loss plan

Monitor your dog's weight at least once a week. Get a special scale for dogs or use your old methods of weighing and enter the data in the table. The table will allow you to clearly see the progress the dog is making.

Assess if your weight loss plan is strong enough. If you've restricted your dog's calories and exercised enough but aren't getting the results you want, talk to your veterinarian. You may need to cut calories further and/or increase your dog's exercise further.
- The plan you and your veterinarian originally developed may not be ideal for your pet's needs. Don't be afraid to tweak it with your veterinarian if the plan doesn't work well enough.
Think about how a dog can get extra calories. There may be a number of non-health related reasons why your dog is unable to lose weight. For example, someone else in your household gives her extra food and treats without informing you about it, or the dog gets to the food packages on its own.

Obesity is a disease. If it is not treated, the state of health of the animal worsens, its years of life are significantly reduced. To avoid this, the veterinarian will prescribe a special diet for the dog. Obesity requires a special diet, because exceeding the daily requirement for food is the main cause of obesity in pets.

To determine obesity in a dog, veterinarians use a special scale.

Often, obesity begins in puppies. If you do not monitor how much they ate, this is fraught with disorders in the development of bones and joints. As a result, the kids become lethargic and do not get enough physical activity. If you start feeding pets at this age with human food, then it will be very difficult to keep track of the amount eaten.

The following breeds of dogs are more prone to obesity than others:

basset hound;
beagle;
bulldog (English, French);
Golden retriever;
cocker spaniel;
Labrador;
pug;
Pekingese;
dachshund;
sheltie.

How to tell if a dog is obese

To find out if the dog's weight is normal, it is weighed 1-2 times a month. The optimal body weight of the animal reaches the age of about one year after the completion of the growth period. Weighing goes like this:

First, the owner stands on the scales himself and remembers his weight.
Then he takes the dog in his arms.
Subtracts the first from the second digit - this is the weight of the animal.

Obesity is also determined visually.

If, when viewed from above or in profile, the waist of the dog is clearly distinguished, there is no reason to worry. It is necessary to act when the stomach protrudes strongly, that is, the border between the chest and the abdominal cavity is not defined.

With obesity, the body weight of the dog exceeds the standard value by 15%

It may also seem that the paws have become not only thicker, but also shorter. Fat folds not provided for by the breed appear.

You can stroke the dog on the sides: the weight is considered normal when the ribs are groped. Fat deposits, sagging belly and arched back, "roll" at the base of the tail indicate excess weight.

A plump dog lies almost all the time, does not play, breathes heavily at the slightest physical exertion, walks reluctantly. In this case, it is advisable to take her to the vet. The doctor will help you find out how much the dog weighs and select the right diet for him.

The overfeeding test is simple: give your dog his usual amount of food and start a stopwatch. The pet should eat everything in 7-10 minutes. If the bowl is not empty after 20 minutes, then the amount of food will have to be reduced.

Video: how to determine overweight in a dog

Possible health effects

Fat dogs get tired quickly, their coat condition worsens. According to statistics, fat pets live less than their slender counterparts. Excess fat in the chest and in the abdominal cavity presses on the lungs, due to a lack of oxygen, shortness of breath occurs. Also, excess weight is fraught with dangerous diseases, such as:

Hypertension.
Circulatory disorders, heart failure. Obesity is the reason for the increased consumption of blood by tissues. As a result, the load on the heart increases.
Wear and even complete destruction of articular cartilage, the development of dystrophic processes in the spine and limbs: arthritis, arthrosis, sprains and ruptures of ligaments and other injuries. Excess weight is a huge load on the musculoskeletal system, it becomes difficult for the animal to move.
Violation of the liver.
Weakening of the immune defense.
Pancreatitis. Overeating and fatty foods disrupt the pancreas.
Increased cholesterol, the formation of vascular plaques.
Diabetes. Old dogs suffering from excess weight are predisposed to this disease. The owner will have to maintain the health of the pet with insulin and a strict diet.
Thermal shocks.
The extinction of sexual function in males, irregular estrus in bitches.

Diet for weight loss

The veterinarian may prescribe a hypoallergenic diet for the dog, which involves the exclusion from the menu of eggs, chocolate, sea fish, honey, nuts, red vegetables

Starting to feed the dog correctly should already be from puppyhood: it is better to underfeed a little than to overfeed. Nutrition should be balanced and strictly by the hour, 2-4 times a day.

In the fight against obesity, a reasonable approach is important: it is better to lose weight little by little, but so that they do not return. The goal is not only weight loss, but also the normalization of weight. For older dogs, the veterinarian will offer a special regimen and diet.

The most difficult thing is for the owners of dogs of decorative breeds, because they don’t like games and long walks too much. The way out is to reduce the daily calorie requirement, first by 30%, then by 50% and finally by 70%.

In winter, for small breed dogs, it is enough to reduce the caloric content of food by 30%, since they spend a lot of energy on heating their own bodies.

Belkova. The dog's diet should be 75% meat, 15% raw vegetables, 10% buckwheat or oatmeal. The duration of the diet is 4 weeks, no more.
natural. Product ratio: 25% cereals (buckwheat or oatmeal boiled in water without spices and oil), 35% lean meat (veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit meat) or boneless sea boiled fish, 40% fruits and vegetables. You can diversify the diet with fermented milk products, only cheese is prohibited. The duration of the diet is up to 60 days.
Industrial. The principle of the diet is to follow the recommendations indicated on the dog food packaging. Exceeding the dosage is unacceptable. If the dog's weight does not decrease, you will have to abandon the usual food and purchase a dietary one. The packaging usually has the word light, meaning low calorie content.

In the menu of a losing weight dog, it is worth adding more kefir and low-fat cottage cheese

A special diet with a fairly large amount of fiber saturates for a long time and protects against constipation, which can occur after reducing the daily portion of the usual food. At the beginning of a protein or natural diet, the dog will feel hungry and irritated because of it. The solution to the problem is fractional nutrition: dividing the daily food intake into 5-6 parts.

The transition to special food also does not always go smoothly: the pet may refuse it because of the unusual taste. In this case, a little trick helps: the owners mix dog pate or stewed vegetables with meat into the diet food. However, some diet foods are only slightly less caloric than regular foods. Therefore, it is not surprising that not all animals lose weight after a change in diet.

What is strictly prohibited

An overweight animal is strictly forbidden to consume the following products:

You can't put a pregnant bitch on a diet. The stress caused by the change in diet can harm both her and her babies.

Physical activity for a pet

Obesity is treated in a complex way. Diet is only half the solution. A fat dog must be made to move. Physical activity is increased gradually: at first they walk only 5 minutes longer, then 10 minutes longer, and so on. As a result, you should get about an hour a day. At the same time, you need to play with your pet. If he does not want to frolic, the reason may be as follows:

Breed specifics. For such animals, the duration of hiking is increased.
Fear of the owner, distrust of him.
Wrong accessories. Some dogs prefer frisbees to sticks.
Inability to play. It is more common in shelter dogs. It is better to walk them in the company of other four-legged friends who will "explain" that games are fun.

With the acceleration of metabolism, the dog will lose weight. If you immediately start with heavy loads, a sharp weight loss will not affect the health of the animal in the best way.

More serious training starts after a while, when the loss of excess fat becomes apparent. The duration of the exercises depends on the well-being of the pet. If there is no time or health does not allow you to deal with the animal on your own, you can contact a cynologist. Therapeutic exercise includes:

running with acceleration;
swimming (summer);
jumping over obstacles.

If the dog's obesity is not dealt with, it can become seriously ill. It is better to put your pet on a diet as soon as possible and increase the time of walking, then it will be possible to avoid possible health problems.