How can I tell if my dog is overweight?
Face it the average Cavalier loves their food, in fact many
would eat until they imploded give the chance!
would eat until they imploded give the chance!
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Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and can lead to a range of illnesses and diseases. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are pre-disposed to obesity, according to evidence garnered in a 1986 veterinary research study of dogs in the United Kingdom and confirmed more recently in a 2007 report, a 2010 report and a2013 presentation, among several others. Joseph Demers, DVM, CVA, CVH, a renowned holistic veterinarian, states: "Another reason for overweight pets is what we feedour pet friends. Commercial pet food is anywhere between 45 percent to 65 percent carbohydrates (grains). Grains are the least expensive part of pet food and can fill the animal quickly. |
Dogs and cats are more carnivores than we humans are, and we are feeding them almost as much grain
(or more) than we humans eat. I feel that this high carbohydrate commercial pet food is the worst food
we can feed our pet friends. Our pet friends need fresh meats, not dehydrated meat by-products.
I also feel vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and moisture as well as sources of
natural vitamins and minerals for our pet friends.
(or more) than we humans eat. I feel that this high carbohydrate commercial pet food is the worst food
we can feed our pet friends. Our pet friends need fresh meats, not dehydrated meat by-products.
I also feel vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and moisture as well as sources of
natural vitamins and minerals for our pet friends.
Body Condition Scoring
Canine obesity commonly is measured by a scaling system called Body Condition Scoring (BCS).
BCS is used to evaluate the relative proportions of animal fat, called adiposity, at specific body
locations and compare those to a lean musculoskeletal system.
The 5-point BCS scale ranges from 1 point (emaciated) to 5 points (obese), as follows:
1 = Emaciated.
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all body prominences evident from a distance.
No discernible body fat. Obvious absence of muscle mass.
2 = Thin.
Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible.
Pelvic bones less prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
3 = Moderate.
Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from side.
This usually is the ideal BCS score.
4 = Stout.
General fleshy appearance. Ribs palpable with difficulty. Noticeable fat deposits over
lumbar spine and tail base. Abdominal tuck may be absent.
5 = Obese.
Large fat deposits over chest, spine and tail base. Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Fat
deposits on neck and limbs. Abdomen distended
BCS is used to evaluate the relative proportions of animal fat, called adiposity, at specific body
locations and compare those to a lean musculoskeletal system.
The 5-point BCS scale ranges from 1 point (emaciated) to 5 points (obese), as follows:
1 = Emaciated.
Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all body prominences evident from a distance.
No discernible body fat. Obvious absence of muscle mass.
2 = Thin.
Ribs easily palpated and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible.
Pelvic bones less prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck.
3 = Moderate.
Ribs palpable without excess fat covering. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from side.
This usually is the ideal BCS score.
4 = Stout.
General fleshy appearance. Ribs palpable with difficulty. Noticeable fat deposits over
lumbar spine and tail base. Abdominal tuck may be absent.
5 = Obese.
Large fat deposits over chest, spine and tail base. Waist and abdominal tuck absent. Fat
deposits on neck and limbs. Abdomen distended
Overweight dogs have serious health risks
Overweight dogs are more at risk for such problems as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure,
joint and ligament problems, disc disease, arthritis, breathing difficulties, cancer, skin problems, digestive
disorders and the list goes on. Sadly an overweight pet faces a shorter lifespan than one who has
been kept at optimum weight throughout its life.
And health issues caused by weight don't just start in middle age ... in a recent study it was found
that dogs that were obese at 1 year of age were at a greater risk of developing mammary tumours. Fat
also starts to develop around the heart starting in the young and can lead to issues later in life. A
common problem in young overweight dogs is the cruciate ligament tear which leads to a costly
surgery and may affect the dog's ability to move around freely later in life.
The sad thing is many owners don't realize their animals are overweight! They might see some
associated problems such as a cat who isn't grooming itself properly or a dog that is "lazy" and doesn't
want to move about much or is always panting but don't connect the problems to weight. And while a
pound or two overweight may not be much to a human, to a Cavalier it could be the equivalent
of 15 extra pounds or more in a 150 lb person!
joint and ligament problems, disc disease, arthritis, breathing difficulties, cancer, skin problems, digestive
disorders and the list goes on. Sadly an overweight pet faces a shorter lifespan than one who has
been kept at optimum weight throughout its life.
And health issues caused by weight don't just start in middle age ... in a recent study it was found
that dogs that were obese at 1 year of age were at a greater risk of developing mammary tumours. Fat
also starts to develop around the heart starting in the young and can lead to issues later in life. A
common problem in young overweight dogs is the cruciate ligament tear which leads to a costly
surgery and may affect the dog's ability to move around freely later in life.
The sad thing is many owners don't realize their animals are overweight! They might see some
associated problems such as a cat who isn't grooming itself properly or a dog that is "lazy" and doesn't
want to move about much or is always panting but don't connect the problems to weight. And while a
pound or two overweight may not be much to a human, to a Cavalier it could be the equivalent
of 15 extra pounds or more in a 150 lb person!
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Exercise is also a key element to weight loss but for an overweight dog it may involve baby steps first. Expecting an overweight, sedentary dog to immediately start off with a 10K run is not reasonable and could lead to other problems. Starting with short walks and gradually increasing distancesand speed will be more beneficial. As for treats most of those dog treats and cookies you find at the grocery store are very fattening and full of sugar. Feeding vegetables and fruits as treats in moderation is way healthier for your dog in the long run and they'll be happy. |