Obesity

How do I know if my dog is too fat?

There are various methods to determine whether your dog weighs too much. One of them is the so-called Body Condition Score (BCS) scale, which is used by veterinarians. It assesses the dog's physique based on factors such as rib, waist and belly fat. The scale ranges from 1 (very thin) to 9 (very fat). An ideal BCS is between 4 and 5. You can assess your dog yourself by looking at him from above and from the side and feeling his ribs and waist. If you can't feel the ribs or can only feel them with difficulty, or if your dog has no visible waist, he is probably too fat.

Another method is to calculate your dog's Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is the ratio of body weight to height. You can calculate your dog's BMI by dividing his weight in kilograms by his shoulder height in meters squared. A normal BMI for dogs is between 15 and 25. If your dog's BMI is higher, he is overweight.

What are the causes of obesity in dogs?

The most common cause of obesity in dogs is too much calorie intake compared to calorie expenditure. This means that your dog eats more than he burns through exercise. There can be various reasons for this:

• Too much food or food that is too high in energy: many dog foods contain more calories than your dog needs. In addition, some dog owners tend to give their dogs too large portions or too many treats.
• Too little exercise: Dogs need enough daily exercise and play to stay fit and healthy. If your dog doesn't get enough or any exercise, it can easily put on weight.
• Neutering: Neutered dogs have a lower energy requirement than unneutered dogs. If you do not adjust your neutered dog's diet accordingly, he may become overweight.
• Age: As your dog ages, his metabolism slows down and he needs fewer calories. He also becomes less active and loses muscle mass. If you don't reduce your older dog's food, he may put on weight.
• Diseases: Some diseases can lead to obesity in dogs by affecting their appetite or metabolism. These include, for example, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome or diabetes.

What are the consequences of obesity in dogs?

Obesity in dogs can lead to various health problems that can reduce your dog's life expectancy and quality of life. These include, among others:

• Diabetes: overweight dogs have an increased risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the blood sugar level is too high. This can lead to organ damage, blindness or even death.
• Osteoarthritis: Overweight dogs put more stress on their joints, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that limits your dog's mobility and well-being.
• Heart problems: Overweight dogs have a higher risk of suffering from heart problems. The heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, which can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia or heart attack.
• Breathing problems: Overweight dogs have a smaller lung capacity and a poorer oxygen supply. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing or shortness of breath, especially when it is hot or strenuous.
• Skin problems: Overweight dogs often have poorer coat quality and a higher susceptibility to skin infections. This is because they find it harder to groom themselves and produce more sebum. In addition, bacteria or fungi can colonize in the skin folds, which can lead to itching, redness or odor.

How can I help my dog lose weight?

If your dog is overweight, you should definitely put him on a diet and give him more exercise. This is not only good for their health, but also for their mood and confidence. Here are some tips on how to help your dog lose weight:

• Consult your vet: Before you start your dog's weight loss program, you should visit your vet and have him examined. They will be able to tell you how much your dog should weigh, whether they have a medical condition that is causing or affecting their obesity, and what type of food and exercise is suitable for them.
• Choose a suitable food: There are special diet foods for dogs that contain fewer calories and fat, but more fiber and protein. These foods help your dog to feel full and maintain his muscles. You should change your dog's food gradually to avoid digestive problems. You should also measure and divide up the recommended amount of food.
• Reduce treats: Treats are an important reward and motivation for your dog, but they often contain a lot of calories. You should reduce your dog's treats or replace them with healthier alternatives, such as fruit or vegetables. You can also use some of his food as a treat. Make sure you subtract the treats from the amount of food.
• Increase exercise: Exercise is essential for your dog's weight loss. Not only does it help him burn calories, but it also stimulates his metabolism, strengthens his muscles and keeps his mind busy. You should walk or play with your dog for at least 30 minutes a day. You can also gradually increase the intensity or duration of exercise or try new activities, such as swimming or agility.
• Monitor progress: To know if your dog is losing weight successfully, you should check their weight regularly. You can do this at home with a scale or at your vet. You should also check his BCS and BMI. If your dog is not losing weight or even gaining weight, you should adjust your strategy or ask your vet for advice.