A big, fat problem

Balanced meals and controlled portion sizes are key to preventing obesity in pets. Representation pic

Last week, mid-day had reported about an overweight dog, Deepika, undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure typically reserved for human beings, to help bring her weight under control. Studies indicate that as many as 60 per cent of all pet dogs are overweight and half of those are clinically obese. As is the case with human beings, obesity in dogs can result in a host of medical complications including joint disease, a predisposition to metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation. Worryingly, it can also affect their longevity. The good news is that obesity is both preventable and reversible, if pet parents take a few timely measures, explains Dr Shiwani Tandel, a veterinarian at Prabhadevi-based Phoenix Veterinary Specialty.

Dr. Shiwani Tandel

The most common causes of obesity are overfeeding and lack of adequate exercise. Smaller, more frequent meals can be healthier for your pooch than a once-a-day big meal. Further, while food is an important reinforcement during a puppy's training, also instil the practice of rewarding your dog with non-food-based treats, such as pets or positive, encouraging words," she emphasises. Make sure your dog receives 45 minutes of exercise a day. Note that this exercise doesn't necessarily mean running - brisk walks can also benefit your dog.

Avoid slipping table scraps to your pooch and break larger treats into smaller chunks so you can spread them out. In consultation with a vet, determine your pup's ideal bodyweight and, if necessary, switch to a lower-calorie meal plan. Monitor progress and avoid ‘cheat' meals as this can disrupt his/her weight loss. Finally, if you know your dog won't receive his/her usual exercise, reduce the diet accordingly, Dr Tandel summarises.