From Floppy to Fit: Tips to Manage Your Canine Friend’s Weight And Keep Them Healthy

For today’s pet parents, their furry friend’s health and well-being take precedence over most other things. A major part of their overall physical and mental well-being stems from the nutrition they get throughout their lives. Understanding that nutrition is the foundation of good health for your four-legged companion will help you cater to their unique requirements.

Dr Vishal Dangle, Scientific Communication Manager, Royal Canin delves into canine obesity and keeping your furry companion satiated while ensuring they remain a healthy weight to enjoy a long, fulfilling life by your side.

Canine Obesity and the hidden costs associated

There are over 31 million pet dogs in India, and this number is projected to rise to 43.9 million by 2026. With this increase in pet ownership, it becomes crucial to address the issue of overweight and obese pets.

Did you know that 34.4% of dogs are overweight and 25.6% of them are obese in India? Overweight pets come with hidden costs that pet owners may not be aware of. These costs can be substantial and impact both the pet’s well-being and the owner’s finances. Further, pets that are obese are at a greater risk of being impacted by health conditions such as diabetes, joint disease, and heart disease. These conditions can significantly reduce the pet’s quality of life and lifespan if left unaddressed.

According to data from dogs monitored over a four-year period, dog owners spent an average of 17% more on healthcare and 25% more on medication for overweight pets compared to those with healthy weights.

Is my dog overweight or obese? How to determine it?

To ensure your dog doesn’t become overweight/obese, it’s imperative to recognise whether it is at its ideal, healthy weight or gaining weight. Overweight/Obese dogs may exhibit exercise intolerance, panting excessively even after minimal activity. They might experience joint pain and slow down quickly during walks. Obese dogs often lack unrestricted mobility and struggle with everyday movements.

The following 3 step approach helps to check your pet’s body condition:

1. LOOKTo understand the body condition of your dog refer to the image below. Look at the body shapes on the chart & match the one to your pet.
2. FEELRun your fingers under your pet’s fur along their ribs & waist. What do your pet’s ribs feel like?a. Severely defined ribs and waist → Pet is very thinb. Easily visible ribs and waist → Pet is thinc. Ribs easily felt, but not seen; obvious waist → Pet is an ideal weightd. Ribs not easily seen or felt; waist barely visible → Pet is overweighte. Cannot feel ribs; waist absent → Pet is obese
3. WEIGHWeigh the pet if not done recently. Look at weight history if available, and enter the pet’s weight in the pet’s health record. Regularly weighing an adult dog & tracking against the ideal weight of your dog is the best practice to keep a close eye on the pet’s health & wellbeing. Pets that are 10-20% over their ideal body weight are considered overweight, while pets 21% and over are considered obese. Ideal weight varies from breed to breed and also from gender within the breed.What is your dog’s Body Condition Score?If your dog’s BCS score is from 1-3 then your dog is underweight and it’s advised to seek your veterinarian’s help to better understand the underlying cause if any. Poor or unbalanced diet can be the major reason behind the underweight of the dog.

   If your dog’s BCS score is 4-5 then your dog is Ideal in weight. You need to ensure that the dog remains ideal in weight throughout life by providing complete & balanced nutrition, and adequate regular exercise.

   If your dog’s BCS score is from 7-9 then it’s an alarming indication of overweight & obesity. An overweight pet is linked to more than 20 illnesses. Before those set in consult your veterinarian and strictly follow the weight management protocols.

   Further, dog parents must note that obesity can also be due to underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, which can contribute to weight gain in dogs. If you suspect obesity, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

   The reasons behind pet obesity

   Here is a deeper analysis of the factors contributing to obesity in pets:

   1. Breed and AgeCertain dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Pugs, Cairn Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels, are predisposed to becoming overweight due to their genetics and breed characteristics. Besides the breed, age is another aspect that dog owners must consider. Although the chances of obesity increase with age, being obese during puppyhood is the most detrimental to the dog’s health.
   2. GenderFemale dogs are more prone to obesity as compared to males. Several studies across demographics have substantiated this claim.
   3. Sterilisation/NeuteringAlthough encouraged in some cases, sterilizing or neutering your dogs can become a reason for obesity if not done at the right age. In fact, studies suggest that the risk of obesity is almost two times higher in neutered dogs as compared to intact dogs. This is because the energy requirements for the sterilized dogs are significantly lower than the intact dog.
   4. Lack of exerciseDogs need exercise to maintain a healthy weight like humans. Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and related health issues.
   5. AilmentsCertain ailments/conditions, such as arthritis, can make movement uncomfortable and discourage regular activity, leading to weight gain.
   6. OverfeedingOverfeeding your dog is yet another common issue that is often overlooked due to a lack of awareness. Pet owners may be uncertain about how much food they should be feeding their pets or may use food as a form of communication and love, leading to overfeeding. It’s best to ensure that your canine best friend gets a balanced diet consisting of all the required nutrients. You can also use a weighing scale at home to portion your dog’s food properly to avoid overfeeding.

   Understanding your dog’s unique needs

   As a pet owner, if you’re unsure of the quantity of food your dog must be eating regularly, it’s always best to consult with your vet to ensure your pet is eating the right amount of quality food. They will consider factors such as your dog’s age, size, breed, activity level and health conditions to determine the appropriate diet and portion sizes.

   What can you do to ensure your canine is in its prime?

   Begging in dogs is observed quite oftenly and most of the time pet owners think that it’s because of hunger and they tend to offer excess food, treats or table scraps but your pet may beg for your attention or for playing with you. It’s very important to understand the reason behind begging behavior of your pet and keep them busy or engage in activities to ensure they remain healthy throughout their life. Instead of regular treats, you can provide a small portion of healthy food treats for your dog, such as pet food meal kibble (preferably from the daily meal allowance). Remember that many available treats in the market are not nutritionally balanced; they are overloaded with fat and artificial flavors, so it’s better not to give too many treats as a reward or a substitute for complete, balanced nutrition. Apart from these, hiding treats across the house or providing them with dog-friendly puzzles/toys containing hidden treats are good ways to stimulate mental and physical activity in dogs.

   The above-mentioned isn’t to say that you must stop rewarding your pet with treats, but it’s important to limit the amount and swap unhealthy treats for healthy ones. Reduce the amount of food offered during meal times to accommodate healthy treats given during the day.

   Further, ensuring your pet is getting ample exercise to maintain healthy bones and joints is essential. Simple, moderate-intensity activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, or playing fetch can go a long way in burning off any extra calories, boosting cardiovascular health, and building muscle, keeping them healthy in the long run.

   By understanding your dog’s body condition score and nutritional needs, providing exact portions of a complete and balanced diet, encouraging regular exercise, and offering healthy treats and rewards, you can help your canine companion feel full and satisfied while maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.