Canine obesity: Why it’s not so great to be ‘the big dog’

Humans know when they have gained a few pounds. They can step on the scale and see the numbers get bigger. They can button their pants and feel the bulge at their waistline, or perhaps a “concerned” loved one will politely pinch more than an inch. Dogs don’t have the same sensors, so a little extra weight can lead to a double-size dog derriere.

Upon meeting a pudgy pooch, we might think Fat Fido is cute, but all that extra weight is no different than the extra pounds a human can pack on, and the health risks are similar. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost one-half of all dogs in the United States are overweight, while 25 percent of them are actually obese.

Do those statistics sound familiar? The truth is, the statistics associated with overweight and obese dogs are very similar to those of overweight American men and women. Just like humans, obesity in dogs results in health complications and possibly a shorter life span. If your dog is suffering from obesity, he could be suffering from many more issues, as well.

Diabetes mellitus. As in people, obesity in dogs increases the secretion of insulin in response to increased blood glucose levels. The need for insulin is more prevalent in overweight dogs because their bodies have a greater amount of tissue. Diabetic dogs are more susceptible than healthy dogs to most infections, especially urinary tract infections.

Bone, ligament, and muscle damage. About one-quarter of obese dogs develop bone, ligament, and muscle damage because of the extra weight they carry. Arthritis and hip dysplasia can develop or become more severe, and the knee ligaments of obese dogs are prone to strains and tears. If the pain persists, dogs will be reluctant to use the affected leg, and surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain and get the doggie’s gait back on track.

Difficulty breathing. Heavy breathing in overweight dogs does not mean they are “in the mood”; it typically means too much food! The lungs of overweight dogs work extra hard to keep up with the demands of their bodies. Many dogs develop respiratory diseases that are difficult to treat.

Decreased stamina and heat intolerance. Fifi will be tired from carrying around all that extra weight. Instead of playing in the yard or taking a long walk with her owner, the plump pooch may spend more time on her doggy bed. Obese dogs are also miserable in the heat. An extra layer of fat may be good for a polar bear, but not for a canine in the dog days of summer.

Pancreatitis. Pancreatic enzymes can cause the pancreas to digest itself if the area has inflammation. Obesity and high-fat diets can be two causes. Vomiting and diarrhea may be present in dogs suffering from pancreatitis.

Other problems. Other common conditions among overweight dogs are high blood pressure, constipation, intestinal gas, increased oil production in the skin and fur, decreased liver function, and decreased immune function. Female dogs can also suffer problems while giving birth.

What can you do for your pet? Pet owners, take heed. If Buster is busting at the seams, he needs proper care quickly. Visit your veterinarian, become informed, and make a game plan. Placing your poochy pooch on a fat-reducing diet and increasing exercise is the best and smartest way to show your love. A variety of healthful, high-protein, low-fat dog foods are available, and your trusty vet can help you make a decision that is good for your pet and for your budget.

Back away from the table, Tiger! Human food is not pet food. Scraps from the table are a sure-fire way for dogs to acquire weight, not to mention bad table manners. Yes, when Fluffy flashes her sad eyes at you as you are scarfing down that pepperoni pizza, it’s hard to deny her a few bites. Yet, if your dog eats people food regularly, she will miss out on valuable nutrients needed to stay healthy. We all know that pizza normally isn’t the best food choice for humans, so why would it be any better for a pet?

The “bottom” line. When it comes to man’s best friend, fat is not cute. Just like humans, overweight dogs can suffer from health complications that will lead to a diminished quality of life and a shorter life. Take action now to get your Fido back to fitness.

Lisa Taranto is a Kansas City certified fitness instructor and lifestyle and weight management consultant specializing in senior adult fitness. Some information for this article is from The American College of Veterinary Surgeons and www.peteducation.com.