lick - pet crusader
Healthy Weight
According to the Association of Animal Hospitals, obesity leads to: Reduced life expectancy and diminished quality of life Skin disorders Chronic inflammation Orthopedic disease Cancer
Recognize Obesity as a Disease Many years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Medication Association (AMA) declared obesity a disease in humans. By doing so, this accelerated innovation and treatments to the point that there are now tens of drugs and innumerable bariatric surgeries available. Sadly though, there are no approved obesity treatments in the United States for our pets. Pharmacology won’t develop a drug to help dogs loose poundage because obesity or being over-weight is not considered a disease. Does Obesity Adversely Affect a Dog’s Quality of Life? YES! Ernie Ward, DVM, and the author of “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter, A Vet’s Plan to Save Their Lives,” and other books and papers, says, “I believe many pet parents are skeptical about the health benefits that come from their dog losing weight. They feel, ‘So what if Fluffy has packed on a few extra pounds? She’s happy. and I want her to enjoy whatever years she has remaining,’ but they are actually accelerating the demise of their beloved pet.” Ward’s colleague, Alexander J. German, BVSc PhD, of the University at Liverpool, has been looking at obesity vs. quality of life effects on dogs for decades, and believes that as little as a 6% weight loss shows demonstrable improvements in the pet’s quality of life. When people have a dog with obesity, they see a big dog, an NFL linebacker or goalie for the hockey team, but veterinarians see a dog with obesity. Extra fat means inflammation in the body, so to help your dog of any age live a longer, pain-free, disease-free life it is important to maintain a healthy body condition. According to Ward, “Of all things you do for your dog, keep blood sugar stable cause spikes in sugar trigger an inflammatory cascade of adipose (fat) tissue.”
Kidney dysfunction Respiratory disorders Metabolic endocrine disorders (i.e. diabetes)
A 14-year Purina lifetime study monitored two colonies of Labradors from puppy hood until death, feeding the control group normal calories and the others, 25% fewer calories. On average, the dogs eating less calories lived 2 years longer, to age 13. That is the difference between humans making it to 79 or 91 years of age! We’re not talking deprivation, just feeding a little bit less. Think ¾ cup instead of that full cup. What Can a Pet Parent Do? Says Ward, “Discuss your pet’s weight, body condition, food and feeding habits with your veterinarian, but have him rule out any medical conditions that could be causing increased weight. Medical conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s can cause weight gain while medications for seizures and steroids for allergies are notorious for fat accumulation.” Discuss mobility restrictions too. If your dog blew out his cruciate ligament, this factors in to how to construct and formulate the best weight loss program. Also share with your vet your own abilities, lifestyle, commitment, and motivation to help your dog lose the weight he should. As far as exact numbers, remember that every dog is a unique individual, so all of the above should be discussed
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