PROBLEMS
Many pet dogs are overweight. Some surveys suggest that nearly 60% are carrying extra kilograms.
Obesity in dogs causes the same type of problems as it does in humans
- the heart has to work harder
- fatty changes in the liver make it work less efficiently
- breathing is difficult
- the joints have to cope with a greater load
- the pet’s life may be shortened
Most importantly, the very fat dog gets less enjoyment out of life. He becomes inactive, both due to his weight and his sore joints, and he sleeps a bit more. There’s not much to think about when he’s lying down except his next meal, so he may eat more, his enthusiasm for walks decreases and he interacts less. It is a vicious circle – a fat dog exercises less and eats more, so gets fatter. Many owners wrongly think that the middle aged dog slowing down and putting on weight is just a consequence of his age.

CAUSE
In most cases it is the owner’s fault. Except for a very few dogs with pathological conditions that lead to obesity, it is the direct result of too much food from his master or mistress. The owner is, of course, only meaning to be kind to the dog. Often it is a way of showing how much the owners love the dog. And there is a common misconception that dogs will only eat what they need – which is completely untrue.
Neutering is an excuse used by an indulgent owner for a fat dog. All Guide Dogs are neutered, and there are very few fat ones. A neutered dog will become fatter than the entire dog or bitch, but excess food rather than missing hormones is the real explanation.

TREATMENT
The simple solution is less food. Increasing the exercise does help, but the greater part of the problem is overfeeding.
It is worth asking your vet to check for any underlying conditions before starting a diet, also he will have scales adequate to weigh even large dogs.
Slimming does take time and must be done gradually. If the dog has spent 5 years gaining weight, he will not lose it in a month. As in humans, you have to set realistic goals.
Firstly, work out how much he is eating. You may think this is easy – the food in his bowl at dinner time. But what about the toast in the morning, or the milk from your cereal, the biscuit on the walk, or the fat from the roast? And does the neighbour feed him too? It is useful to collect all the “extras” from one day in a bag, as many people do not realise how it all adds up. Show it to all the family, as slimming a family dog must be a family effort - there cannot be one person sticking to the diet while others are still feeding treats.
Before starting the diet, weigh the dog. Then cut all titbits out of the diet – including milk to drink, just give water. Reduce the food in his bowl a little – about 20% less than before. Your vet can help you weigh the dog and agree on a target weight and food amount. The dog will still expect treats at certain times, and may feel hungry more of the time, so try to strike a balance. Perhaps split his food ration and feed it twice a day, instead of once. Make use of fruit and vegetables to bulk up the food or use as treats. Most dogs will love carrots, grapes or slices of apple as a reward, while boiled carrots and even boiled cabbage can help fill a stomach.
There are also specially prepared “obesity diets”, in canned or dry forms, which fill the dog up without putting on as much weight. They are obviously more expensive than carrots or cabbage, but can be more convenient.
Weigh the dog after a month on the new diet. You may not notice any change in a dog that you see every day, but the scales should indicate progress. Do not expect a huge amount of weight loss – this is unrealistic, and unsafe for the dog. A kilogram or so lost in a 35kg dog is fine. If there is no weight loss, or even weight gain, find out if everyone in the family is being as strict, or if the dog is scrounging food while outside.
Stick to the diet, and reweigh every month until the target weight is reached. Even after this time, you will have to be careful with feeding so that the weight does not get put back on, but combined with a good exercise regime there is no need for the dog to become fat again
When a very fat dog loses weight, he seems to lose years as well. He starts to become more active – trotting instead of walking, playing more, jumping where he scrambled before, and enjoying his walks. And he will live a longer, healthier life.

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