When can we talk about obesity in dogs?
Obesity is defined as an accumulation of fat in the dog's body. In humans, there is a clear indicator such as the BMI (body mass index) which makes it possible to characterize excess weight. On the other hand, there is not really an equivalent for dogs. Dogs tend to be classified as overweight when their body weight is more than 15% above their “optimal body weight,” and obese when their body weight reaches or exceeds 20% of their optimal weight. This notion of optimal body weight is however quite variable from one individual to another and can be assessed according to the method of evaluation of body condition.This is a method based on observing the dog's silhouette, seen from above and in profile, and palpating its bony prominences in order to assess the dog's fat reserves.
Thus, in a dog whose weight is optimal, we see, when we look at it from above, its size narrowing slightly behind the ribs. In profile, there is a clear abdominal depression. Bones are not visible from a distance except for loose ribs in smooth-haired dogs. When you palpate the animal with your hands flat and without pressing, you should feel its bones under a thin layer of fatty tissue and be able to count its ribs with your fingers without exerting pressure.
In an overweight or obese dog, the ribs are difficult to feel under a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. There is no discernible size or abdominal hollow but, depending on the degree of obesity, fat deposits can be observed in the dog's lower back, at the base of its tail, on its neck and at the level of its thorax.
Why can a dog become obese?
Although certain endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism and hypercorticoidism and the intake of certain medications can be involved in the occurrence of weight gain in dogs, the main reason for the development of Obesity in dogs is based on an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Most often, therefore, it is excessive food intake and/or too little energy expenditure that leads to obesity. The factors that may be involved are to be found among:
- his genetics. Some dogs, by their genetics, have very efficient metabolisms that allow them to take advantage of the smallest calorie and store the excess energy absorbed in the form of fat. This is particularly the case for Labradors and Golden Retrievers,
- his level of physical activity: the dog does not do enough physical activity to "burn" the calories provided by his diet,
- the quantity and energy content of his diet. This is the case if the dog is overfed in relation to its real needs: foods that are too high in calories, "self-service" kibbles, miscalculation of the quantities of kibbles to give to your dog resulting in too "generous" rations. , distribution of too large quantities of treats outside meals, “bulimic” dog etc.
Neutering is also an important risk factor for obesity in dogs. It profoundly alters a dog's metabolism by reducing its secretion of sex hormones, which has the effect of:
- to increase the dog's appetite and therefore its food intake,
- to reduce physical activity and therefore energy expenditure,
- to increase the dog's fat mass, at the expense of its lean mass, which is solely responsible for the animal's energy expenditure.
Obese dog: what to do?
Your dog is getting fat for no reason: rule out any disease first
Faced with your dog's overweight or obesity, it is first necessary to make sure that his condition is not the result of an endocrine disease or the side effect of a prescribed medication. to your pet, especially if your dog seems to be getting fat for no apparent reason. It's pretty rare, but it's worth checking with a vet before doing anything else!
Put your dog on a diet
If your dog's obesity is not the result of an organic disease or the side effect of a drug, then there is an imbalance between his food intake and his energy expenditure .With the help of a veterinarian, it will therefore be necessary to set up a weight loss diet to make your animal lose weight (and especially fat mass). This diet should focus on both the quality of food given to your dog and the quantity of food distributed to your dog daily.
Also read: How to put your dog on a diet?In parallel with the actions undertaken on the dog's diet, it will be necessary to increase its energy expenditure by encouraging it to do more physical exercise through walks, games or even sporting activities. These physical activities will not only promote your pet's weight loss but also preserve its muscle mass.
Consult a behaviourist
Finally, if your pet's weight gain is the result of bulimic behavior, it will be necessary to stop (or at least reduce) this compulsive behavior that causes your dog to steal and devour everything that comes to mind and that could well derail any attempt at a diet!
Dogs with hypersensitivity-hyperactivity syndrome, stressed or anxious dogs as well as older dogs with senile dementia can have this kind of eating disorder. A behaviorist veterinarian will have solutions to remedy this.
Depending on the problem your dog is having, the solutions may consist of:
- the implementation of an anxiolytic treatment in order to reduce the dog's stress and anxiety in the form of drugs or natural anti-stress solutions that can take the form of flower elixirs, soothing food supplements , the use of soothing pheromones, homeopathy or plants with anxiolytic and/or anorectic action (which suppress the appetite),
- associated with the implementation of specific behavioral therapy.