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What do you mean my dog is overweight?

How did my dog get to be so overweight? First there are those treats for training - good dog - and another treat goes in. The morning and evening bowls of food plus a few nibblies that landed on the floor during dinner. Probably all ok if you are talking about a large dog that has the run of several acres to burn off all those calories but what about our small to mid-sized friends who snooze the day away and enjoy primetime television with the family? That morning and afternoon walk isn't enough. It may not be obvious but your dog could easily be carrying around excess weight hidden under all that fur. Obesity is a bigger problems for dogs than we realize. Studies suggest that approximately 25 - 40 percent of dogs the in the US are overweight. And that can lead to a lot more problems in the future,anything from joint disorders to diabetes to cardiovascular disease. Not a pretty picture.

Is your dog gaining weight or starting to look a little chunky?

If he is more than 20 percent of his ideal body weight (see the list of approximate weights per breed) then the he is considered obese. This happens slowly, usually because the dog is overeating and not getting enough exercise. This list gives you an idea of where your dog should be.

AVERAGE WEIGHT (IN POUNDS)

VERY SMALL BREEDS
Chihuahua 4
Pekingese 9
Miniature Schnauzer 15

SMALL BREEDS
Boston Terrier 19
Cocker Spaniel 25

MEDIUM BREEDS
Beagle 30
Brittany Spaniel 35
Siberian Husky 50

LARGE BREEDS
Airedale Terrier 50
Standard Poodle 55
Pointer 65
Golden Retriever 70

VERY LARGE BREEDS
Old English Sheepdog 95
Great Pyrenees 115
Great Dane 130
Newfoundland 140
St. Bernard 165

If your dog is not represented in this chart, check with your vet to find out his or her ideal weight.

Common causes of dog obesity

The most common cause of pet obesity - overfeeding combined with too little activity. And yes, too many of us give in to sneaking our pets a snack here or there.
Some breeds just have a genetic disposition towards obesity. If this is the case, it is very important to follow the correct diet - and definitely, no snacking. If you are being very careful with your dog's food intake and they still continue to gain weight, you may want to investigate the possibility of a hormonal disorder.
Again, check with your vet.

A few simple guidelines to follow

1. Make sure you serve your pet the correct-sized portion depending on the breed.
2. If you train with treats, reduce portion sizes accordingly or choose low calorie treats
3. Make sure your dog is getting enough daily exercise. If you are too busy during the week, hire a dog walker to help out.
4. Choose a specialized dog food for puppies, small dogs or seniors.
5. And most important, consult with your vet before putting your dog on any weight loss programs

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