Posted on 02/21/2008 7:53:13 PM PST by blam
Like Owner, Like Dog: One Third Of US Dogs Are Obese, Cats Also Suffer
Dogs and cats that are overweight may be predisposed to develop diabetes mellitus. (Credit: Image courtesy of Virginia Tech)
ScienceDaily (Feb. 21, 2008) — Obesity in pets mirrors that of humans, as do the reasons -- decreased physical activity, age, and an increased caloric intake, even genetic predisposition. Like humans, there are also many health problems associated with being obese, such as diabetes mellitus.
It's no secret that obesity is a problem in humans. Reality television makes millions of dollars chronicling the efforts of Americans attempting to shed excess weight. And every day, new medical research highlights the serious implications obesity has for heart disease, diabetes and other maladies.
Now, more and more attention is being paid to the problem in our pets. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the prevalence of obesity in dogs is between 22 and 40 percent. The reasons and the remedies for the problem seem to mirror each other across species.
These include decreased physical activity, age, and an increased caloric intake, according to Dr. Craig Thatcher of Blacksburg, Va., a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, noted veterinary nutritionist, and charter diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.
Genetics can also increase a pet’s risk of being overweight, Thatcher said. Labrador retrievers, beagles, and cocker spaniels are all breeds that are more like to carry some extra pounds. There are also endocrine diseases that are associated with obesity that must also be considered and ruled out, before the pet undergoes weight reduction, said Thatcher.
Like humans, there are also many health problems associated with being obese. Dogs and cats that are overweight may be predisposed to develop diabetes mellitus. They may also suffer from decreased heat tolerance and stamina, increased dermatological conditions, decreased immune function, and multiple musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems. If an owner suspects his or her pet is overweight, the first step is to contact their veterinarian.
“Veterinarians are the best resource to assist clients in designing a safe and effective weight reduction program,” said Thatcher.
Veterinarians will work with the client to design a weight reduction program that is specific to the individual pet’s needs. A balanced, restricted-calorie diet should be implemented with the owner carefully monitoring intake and not allowing for free-choice consumption by the pet. An exercise regiment should also be initiated. This should be a plan the owner is willing to comply with and one the animal can comfortably perform, explains Thatcher.
As the animal progresses through a weight loss program, owners must monitor their pet’s progress by weighing and by assessing body condition. This should initially be done every two weeks to ensure the animal is successfully losing weight.
“Avoiding obesity is an important part of the overall wellness of an animal,” said Thatcher. “Pets and their owners alike will enjoy a much higher quality of life when the pet maintains a healthy weight.” The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine established one of the nation’s first clinical nutrition training programs more than 20 years ago, thanks to Thatcher’s leadership. Today, the college’s programs in this area enjoy wide respect from throughout the profession.
Thatcher earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine and his master’s of science and doctor of philosophy in nutritional physiology from Iowa State University. Prior to joining the faculty of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983 as an assistant professor, he practiced mixed animal medicine in Pennsylvania. He was one of the first veterinarians to be board certified as a diplomate by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.
Adapted from materials provided by Virginia Tech, via Newswise.
bush’s fault
President Obama will mandate diet and exercise programs for obese people and their obese pets. The federal government knows what’s best for us.
My dog smokes, drinks, chases females and goes out in the yard and barks for no reason. I don’t know who picked up these habits from who, but I never used to go out in the yard and bark. He’s a bad influence.
Could we please leave politics out of at least one thread? Please?
Over the past 14 months, I’ve been successful in getting my oldest American Bulldog’s weight down about 23 pounds, to about 63 lbs. She is just shy of 12 years old and is doing much better with her new figure.
Hmmm....my animals all are horny and have bad tempers.
I don’t know...myself, I’m amused by the idea of Michelle going out there and telling people that “Barack will never allow your pets to go back to their lives as usual.”
“Nobody’s sure what happened to the cat....”
How did you do it? I have an overweight dog.
No wonder that one can’t catch any of the girl dogs!
I am doing my best to keep my puppy and kitty well fed but in good shape. Having lost 100 pounds myself, I understand what a struggle it can be. And I want to have them (and my two fish and two birds) around for a long time. Coming home to them each day is great, and is one of the more peaceful aspects of my life.
The vet says that she is now much healthier, even though at her age she doesn't do much in the way of physical activity. And, maybe best of all, she practically inhales the food because she loves it so much better than anything she had ever eaten in the past.
If you happen to have a Lab....get Royal Canine for Labrador Retrievers and they also have other breed specific dog foods......otherwise Purina OM is one I used to get the weight my dog before I discovered Royal Canine.....OM is only available trough your vet
BTW....I am waiting for my PC to die so I can get a MAC
I have two little chihuahuas: Fidel & Charo.
They do not like to walk. When we walk they beg to be carried.
We’re using Science Diet right noe ... the one that is prescribed.
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