A fat K-9 isn’t necessarily a happy dog

RIFLE Colorado— Your four-legged friend may not slip into skin-baring fashions this summer, but it doesn’t mean he or she shouldn’t be in shape just like you.

February is National Canine Weight Check month and pet owners are encouraged to find out if their dog is overweight, and if so, what to do about it.

“Canine obesity is a growing problem and being overweight or obese has been associated with arthritis, heart disease and breathing problems in dogs,” according to the National Canine Weight Check website, supported by the American Kennel Club. “In addition, obesity can worsen the signs associated with pre-existing diseases such as high blood pressure, hormone imbalances and joint disease.”

So how do you know if your dog is overweight? While we can tell when our jeans get too tight, it’s not that obvious in dogs.

“You should be able to do a rib test, putting your hands on the dog and feeling his ribs without a lot of difficulty,” said veterinary technician Rhonda Belanus at New Castle Veterinary Clinic.

A 2006 study of dog owners by Pfizer Animal Health showed that 17 percent of dog owners said they thought their dogs were obese. However, veterinarians in the study said that 47 percent of their clients were overweight or obese.

“There should be a slight outline of the ribs,” said Sally Carter, wife of Dr. Zane Carter of Antlers Veterinary Hospital in Rifle. “They should have a waist if you look down on them from the top.”

A rule of thumb is that you should be able to feel their ribs, not necessarily see them, said Dr. Rocky A. Mease, of Glenwood Veterinary Clinic.

“They should still have an hour-glass figure,” Mease said.

The dangers of obesity are especially prevalent in large breeds and can cause hip pain, arthritis and joint problems. In both large and small breeds back pain and heart disease may occur.

“Canine obesity is a serious — even life-threatening — condition,” according to the National Canine Weight Check group.

“It’s the same stuff as with us,” said Dr. Benjamin Mackin of Carbondale Animal Hospital of the dangers caused by obesity. “Heart disease, bone issues, arthritis and diabetes.”

The causes of obesity can range anywhere from feeding habits, lack of exercise and neutering, to slow metabolism, or breed or hormonal disorders.

“But most of it is caused by overeating,” Mackin said. “A small percentage stems from being spayed or neutered or it can be from a hormonal imbalance. We see a hypothyroid (slow thyroid) in some middle-aged dogs, which we can diagnose with blood work and treat with thyroid supplements.”

But the veterinarians agreed that most obesity was usually caused by simply too much food.

“Too many calories, too many treats,” Mease said.

The answer is first to get your pet weighed to determine if he or she exceeds the desired weight for its size and breed. Many vets will allow people to bring in their pets and weigh them free of charge.

Glenwood Veterinary Clinic invites anyone to bring in their pet for a free weight check. The New Castle Veterinary Clinic is a participating member of the National Canine Weigh In, which offers free weight assessment, including breed-specific information, a weight check card to keep a record of your dog’s weight and educational materials on canine obesity and its health implications.

Solutions for helping your pets to lose weight often include putting them on a prescription weight loss food such as Hill’s Science Diet Reduced Diet.

“There are light foods and prescription diets,” Belanus said. “(Get your pet) more exercise and cut down on treats because they can contain a lot of fat.”

There is also a new prescription medicine called “Slentrol” (dirlotapide) — a weight-loss liquid made strictly for dogs and approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help dogs shed extra pounds gradually.

Then there’s the good old-fashioned way of losing weight that works for both people and pets.

“Actually, it’s simple,” Mease said. “Less calories and more exercise.”

Even if Fido is looking at you with those big brown eyes, begging for another cookie.

“It’s tough love,” Mease said. “They don’t know enough.”

This month, be your dog’s best friend — have him weighed, and if need be, work with your vet to come up with a plan to get your buddy to his best weight.

For more information about National Canine Weight Check In, visit www.stopcanineobesity.com

Canine obesity checklist The following test was put together by BARC (Body Assessment Rating for Canines) to help dog owners determine if their pet is overweight or obese and if they need to speak to their veterinarian about a weight loss program. 1) Is your dog of a breed that is prone to obesity, such as retrievers (Labrador and golden), beagles, basset hounds, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, Shelties and terriers? 2) Do you have a multi-dog house? (Dogs in multi-dog households tend to eat more and faster than those in one-dog households.) 3) Is your dog over 5 years old AND still being fed the same type and amount of food as when younger? 4) Feel your dog’s ribs. Do you find it difficult to determine where one rib ends and one begins? 5) Stand at your dog’s side and look at the tuck-up — the belly area between the rib cage and the hindquarters. Is the body more “square-shaped” in this area? 6) Do you regularly feed your dog table scraps and/or multiple non-meal treats each day? 7) When you feed your dog, do you just pour the food into the bowl (rather than giving a specific measured amount each time?) 8) Does your dog have difficulty standing up or jumping on the couch? 9) Does your dog get less than 20 to 30 minutes per day of outside exercise/play time? • If you answered “yes” to four or more of the questions, your dog may be overweight or living a lifestyle that could lead to becoming overweight or obese.