Improved Life: Obese Dogs That Lose Weight

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered that the obese dogs that lose weight usually get an improved life quality. compared to the ones that do not. Even before the research had been carried out, people used to know that non-obese dogs, much like their human owners, are blessed with the better quality of life. Studies have shown that almost one-third of the dog population in the UK is overweight, which is a really big reason of concern for the dog owners. Obesity is the root to a series of health issues, including cardiac problem, diabetes and arthritis. 

The scientists carried out a research work with 50 obese dogs, including both genders and pure breeds and mixed breeds at the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, Royal Canin and the WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition. The owners were asked to complete a questionnaire in order to diagnose the issues related to their dogs health that influenced the life of their dog before the weight loss. In the second phase another questionnaire was asked to be completed by the owners of 30 dogs that were put in a weight loss session and successfully completed the program. The researchers could assess the change in the quality of the life of their dogs. The life quality of the dogs which lose weight in the program was compared with the ones that failed to succeed in the weight loss program.

Good news is several factors influencing the life quality were noticed to have developed. These factors included vitality (strength activeness and energy), emotional balance and pain. the result showed that the life quality, in terms of pains, mental balance and vitality, was improved for the dogs that could succeed in the weight loss program. Obesity is a risk for many dogs, affecting not only their health but also their quality of life. This research indicates that weight loss can play an important role in keeping your dog both healthy and happy, said Dr Alex German, Director of the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic at the University. According to Dr Penelope Morris, from the WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition, strategies for combating obesity and keeping dogs fit and healthy include portion control, increased exercise and diets specifically formulated for overweight pets.

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Managing Obesity Problems in Dogs

Managing dog obesity is really a big deal. I personally consider dog obesity management as something that every dog owner should be concerned about, though it pretty tough for newbies. Reports have shown that an estimated volume of over 50% of dogs in the US, Canada and the UK and a few other parts of the globe are obese and meet premature death due to heart attacks and/or organ failure. Most obese dogs get exposed to the risk of metabolic disorders, joint ailments, decreased immunity and increased chances of cancer.


Here are just a main couple of reasons for obesity problems in dogs:

Overfeeding: Most dog owners - especially the new ones develop a wrong idea that good feeding = more feeding. Good feeding management primarily involves identifying the basic requirement for your dog's optimum growth, which is in no way related to overfeeding. It is essential to limit your dog's feedings to regular specific times everyday. It's important that you stress on maintaining your dog's healthy digestive system.

Scanty Exercise: Scanty exercise is again another major reason for the obesity problem in dogs. Adequate and correct volume of exercise is of utmost significance. We have moved away from using our dogs to work with us in fields. Our Shepherds, Retrievers, Dobbies, Roties, Danes etc. have found their space on our drawing room carpet. They get limited scope to work and do not burn calories to the desired extent. It is therefore more than just important to take them outdoor on a regular basis and make to run or walk long.

Managing the risk of dog obesity

Risk of obesity in dogs can easily be managed through exercising restraints in certain areas. One major mistake that I made in the past with my dogs was that I had unknowingly encouraged my dogs begging habit. I should have strongly exercise restraint in this area.

Limit treats! That's one of the formulas. Draw a strict schedule for feeding. Stop offering him table scraps from your plate. Feed him before your lunch and dinner and keep him away when its your turn.

Regular Exercise - I repeat! This is must and cannot be give an after-thought. While over exercising may turn out to be harmful for your dog, under exercising is equally dangerous. Swimming is a great option especially for large dogs. Long walk is another great exercise for dogs - irrespective of breed. All you need is to know much exercise is correct for your dog. Obviously and German Shepherd Dog or an English Mastiff should have a longer span of walk than a Chihuahua.

Correct nutritional support is the top priority! By this I mean Quality; NOT Quantity. To put it more specifically - I should say CORRECT Quality and Quantity both. Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA produce a chemical called Eicosanoids in the dog's body that controls obesity. Deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids - EPA and DHA is considered as another reason for dog obesity. Fish oil is the best source of these Omega-3 fatty acids.

Managing obesity in dogs also involves certain things more critical than these and cannot controlled at home. Certain medical conditions contribute highly to obesity in dogs. Some of these conditions includes but not restricted to Pituitary Disorders, Hypothyrodism, Cushings Disease,  Cancer in Pancreas etc. These health disorders cannot be established until your carry on medical tests according to the vets.

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