H E A L T H
&
W E L L N E S S
4 Strategies to Overcome the Pet Obesity Epidemic WRITTEN BY: LAURREN ZIMMERMAN
Research over the past 10 years reveals that one in three dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Dogs can become obese and develop health issues due to access body fat, just like humans. According to Banfield Pet Hospital, the prevalence of overweight dogs has increased by 158% during this time period. The quality of life for our pets is consistently threatened by diseases associated with obesity. As a Certified Canine Athlete Specialist and multi-time dog agility national finalist and winner across multiple organizations, I have found that there are important steps that pet parents can take to help their dog safely lose weight. By providing a fresh outlook and healthier future for our favorite furry friends, we can come together as a community to help our pets live longer, happier lives. Underlying Health Issues Start by consulting your veterinarian and rule out any underlying health issues that may be causing your dog’s unwarranted weight gain. Obesity in dogs can be ultimately caused by serious underlying health issues in contrast to lack of exercise or a poor diet. Weight gain can be related to uncontrolled hormone imbalances; this can cause an unnatural increase in their overall appetite.
Regular Cardiovascular Exercise Regular, high and low impact cardiovascular exercise is essential in order to maintain muscle strength and promote a dog’s overall well-being. Running, jumping and general playtime is helpful to keep dogs fit. Start slowly, adding more time with low-intensity walks and gradually work towards jogging and running up to several miles. If your dog is overweight because he is older and suffering from arthritis or persistent pain, physical therapy may be helpful in diagnosing specific mobility issues. Hydrotherapy is also a wonderful way to keep your arthritic dog moving, in a non-weight bearing environment, focusing on increasing their overall cardiovascular health and range of motion. Strength Training with Flexibility Work In addition to regular cardiovascular exercise, just like humans, dogs need strength training and flexibility work to keep their body moving properly. As a health care professional, I see dogs daily that do not have a proper range of motion in the front or rear limbs; also, their core muscles are extremely weak due to inactivity. I encourage my clients to partake in proactive
