According to a 2012 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of dogs are either overweight or obese. That’s 41 million dogs! What’s disheartening is that 46% of dog owners believe their pets’ weight is within the normal range, even when their veterinarians have assessed them as being overweight.

Why?

• Too much food!
• The wrong type/brand of food
• Lack of exercise
• Age
• Breed
  • Genetics do play a part in weight management
  • Certain breeds are more prone to weight gain/fluctuations, such as Labrador/Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles,  Dachshunds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and more.
• Hormonal disorders
• Various medical conditions can cause weight gain

It is best to have your pet thoroughly examined by your veterinarian to rule out any medical abnormalities before beginning any diet/exercise plan.

What problems are related to obesity?

• Arthritis—Excess weight makes the joints prone to premature arthritis
• Breathing problems – Extra weight places stress on a dog’s heart and lungs, causing them to work harder.
• Heat/Exercise intolerance – Makes it difficult for the dog to cool off
• Compromised immune function
• Dermatological problems affect skin, hair, and coat
• Increased risk for surgery and anesthesia
• Creates joint and back problems and makes them more prone to injury

A Purina study showed that dogs that had a restricted diet and were kept at an ideal weight lived an average of 1.8 year longer.

There is a Solution – and We Can Help!

• Consult your veterinarian – Have your veterinarian perform an examination and rule out any medical conditions.
• Develop an exercise plan – Our certified canine rehabilitation practitioners can develop an exercise plan to help your dog jump-start his or her metabolism with underwater treadmill therapy and therapeutic exercises.
• Remember, this is a PROCESS – Crash diets don’t work; this is a lifestyle change. Plan on having your dog lose 1–2% of his or her total body weight per week. Anything more than that is too much, too fast.

How do I know if my dog is overweight?

• Look for a “tummy tuck up”—From the side, the dog’s belly should be “tucked up” under his ribcage and not even with his or her belly.
• You should be able to feel each of your dog’s ribs without pressing.
• Look at your dog from above. You should be able to see his or her waist.

Pet Obesity Prevention offers a helpful chart for your reference.