Page 21 - Dog-Harmony Life Summer 2021 V3Q2

kibble

Bikini Bodies

Understanding Pet Obesity &

Improving Your Dog’s Health

written by: Andrew Tippin of Ziwi Pets

besity is one of the most common issues
Oencountered in small animal practice.
While excess pounds don’t always look
harmful (or even obvious), they can predispose
dogs to diseases, a shorter lifespan, and a
poorer quality of life. However, it is also one
of the most manageable and easiest problems
we can fix. All it takes is a bit of education and
understanding from pet parents on the key
causes of our pets becoming overweight.

AGE & BREED CONSIDERATIONS
Some breeds are naturally lean (such as
greyhounds or whippets), whereas others (such
as labradors or retrievers) are predisposed to
weight gain. If you have one of these larger
breeds, or a dog that would give your waste
disposal a run for its money, it’s a good idea to
plop them on the scales regularly so you can
track their weight. Your veterinarian will weigh
your dog or cat at their regular check-ups and
advise accordingly if they fit within a healthy
weight range for their age and breed.
The age of your dog will also play a role.
Puppies need more calories per day than their
older counterparts, but some pet guardians
forget to slowly reduce their puppy’s food
intake once they reach adulthood -- which is
when extra pounds start creeping in. Senior
dogs are also likely to gain weight due to their
metabolism slowing down, so it’s important to
reduce their food intake accordingly.

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