Obesity in dogs is widespread and leads to serious secondary conditions.
Dog owners have their pet's health in their own hands, as feeding errors are the most common cause of excess weight in dogs.
Every second dog is overweight
Approximately every second dog in Germany is overweight. Yet only eight percent of all dog owners believe their dog is overweight. How can this discrepancy be explained?
In most cases, the pounds accumulate gradually over a long period of time, without the living circumstances of the animals changing noticeably. Dog owners then easily “overlook” the growing roundness. They are also often unaware that the needs of their beloved companions change over time. A young dog, for example, requires a different energy intake than a senior dog, and therefore different food portions.
Dog owners who are unsure whether their dog is overweight can check this fairly easily using a few simple criteria. If the dog has fat at the base of the tail, if the waist is barely visible from above and from the side, and/or if the ribs are difficult to feel, these are signs of being overweight. These rules of the Body Condition Score, or BCS for short, apply regardless of breed and can be used for all dogs – whether dachshund, Labrador, or mixed breed.
Being overweight shortens life
For all breeds, being overweight is also among the most common triggers of illness. And with every kilogram added, the risk grows that internal conditions such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease will follow the excess weight, or that orthopaedic conditions such as joint problems will burden the overweight dog. Overweight dogs even die earlier than their slimmer counterparts — this too has been shown by studies. Even older animals still benefit from weight reduction. It is therefore never too late for a weight-loss programme.
However, breaking out of this vicious cycle is not entirely simple. What many underestimate: the diet begins in the mind of the animal owner, with the realization that feeding is not the same as love. Perseverance is also required. Anyone who has ever struggled with losing weight themselves knows the yo-yo effect. It is no different with dogs. This means: smaller portions for life.
“Eat less” on one’s own initiative also harbors certain dangers. Simply reducing the amount of food can result in the dog not receiving an adequate supply of vital nutrients, proteins, minerals, or vitamins. A reduction diet should therefore be supervised by a veterinarian who can also help design an exercise program tailored to the dog’s physical condition and document the progress of weight-loss efforts through regular weigh-ins.
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