Overweight Pets

I have run into many clients who complain their dog is overweight but they don't know why. They've been feeding their pet the recommended amount stated on the dog food bag. I sometimes wonder if the pet food company recommends a larger amount of food in order to get you to buy the next bag sooner.

Here is what Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff have to say about weight control.
You can find more info here: http://www.drsfostersmith.com

Why did my pet gain weight when I fed according to the manufacturers recommendations?

The label recommendations provide guidelines based on caloric needs of what the manufacturer considers to be an "average" dog or cat with "average" activity. Often, many pets will gain excess weight if fed what pet food manufacturers suggest. It is a good idea to start at the low end of the suggested amount, monitor your pet's weight for several weeks, then adjust the amount fed accordingly. Also consider what else your pet may eat. If your pet typically gets table scraps, treats, and a "little something to make the food taste better," these are other reasons your pet is gaining excess weight. The calories in "little extras" add up very quickly.

Why is my pet overweight?

Although most weight gain in pets, like humans, is simply due to feeding too much or exercising too little, there may be treatable medical conditions contributing to obesity. Disease, genetics, medications, and other non-dietary factors can all influence your cat's weight. If your pet has an unexplained increase in appetite or weight, have her examined by your veterinarian to rule out possible medical conditions. Also, always have your pet checked by your veterinarian before starting any weight loss program.

How do I tell if my dog is overweight?

A 9-point body condition scoring system has been developed for dogs. Consider the following five indicators on your dog and compare them to the body condition scores on the right.

First, feel for your dog's ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs quite easily. There should be a slight amount of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. If you can see the ribs, your dog is too thin. If you cannot feel them at all, your dog is very overweight.

Second, check the area near the base of your dog's tail. There should be a small amount of fat covering this area and it should feel smooth overall. If the bones protrude, your dog is too thin; if you cannot feel any bones at all, your dog is very overweight.

Third, feel other bony prominences on the dog's body such as the spine, shoulders, and hips. Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt or visible, your dog is too thin. If you cannot feel the bones beneath the layer of fat, your dog is obviously overweight.

Fourth, look at your dog from above. (If your dog has long hair, it may be easier and more accurate to check your dog when he is wet-after a bath or a swim.) Your dog should have a definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme or if bony prominences are visible, your dog is too thin. If there is no waist, or worse yet, the area between the ribs and hips is wider than the hips or ribs, your dog is grossly overweight.

Fifth, look at your dog from the side. Dogs should have an abdominal tuck, i.e., the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest. This can vary a lot between breeds. Some dog breeds such as Irish Setters and Greyhounds, for instance, appear to have a much more distinct abdominal tuck, since they are so deep-chested. A dog who is too thin will have a very severe abdominal tuck. Overweight dogs will have no abdominal tuck.

Weight of Dog Daily Feeding Amount:

Remember to always start out feeding your dog the smaller recommended amount and always feed them a high quality dog food.

3-10 lbs. 1/3 to 3/4 cup

10-20 lbs. 3/4 to 1-1/2 cups

20-30 lbs. 1-1/2 to 2 cups

30-40 lbs. 2 to 2-1/2 cups

40-60 lbs. 2-1/2 to 3-1/3 cups

60-80 lbs. 3-1/3 to 4-1/4 cups

80-100 lbs. 4-1/4 to 5 cups over

100 lbs. 5 cups plus 1/2 to 3/4 cup for each 20 lbs. over 100 lbs.

The dog diagram in the middle is the ideal weight

Rock Star Dog Walking & Pet Sitting, LLC
Highway 55 & Highway 100
Golden Valley, MN 55427
612.272.6349
info@rockstardogwalking.com