Myths About Canine Obesity

diet, obesity, weight - By Staff Writer on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 15:23

There is a lot of information out about canine obesity and weight and some times it is hard to wade through all of the opinions and information to get to the truth.  These are 5 common thoughts on canine obesity and weight that are myths. 

Myth:  My dog is fat because we neutered him.
Truth:  Your dog is fat because he eats too much and you don't give him enough exercise.  Neutering can in some cases slow down a dogs metabolism and increase the tendency to gain weight but that does not mean that it will MAKE your dog fat.  If your dog appears to have the tendency to get chubby, a diet and some good long runs will easily take care of the problem, neutered or not.

Myth: Fat is bad for dogs.
Truth: Fat contains vitamins that your dog needs like vitamin A, D, E and K.  These are required to maintain good health.  That said, quantity is extremely important when dealing with fat.  Your dog needs some fat in his diet to maintain proper functioning and health but too much will quickly pack on the lbs.  Consult your vet before removing food from your dogs diet, it might contain minerals and vitamins that your dog needs.  A diet too low in fat could result in poor eye, hair and skin health and lead to more severe illnesses.

Myth: People food is bad for dogs.
Truth:  Most people food is fine for dog in moderation.  People foods that are high in fats, creams and sauces can pack on pounds in both humans and dogs and should be avoided in your dogs diet.  In addition any people food known to be dangerous, high in sugar or high in salt should also be avoided.  However, healthy foods like chicken, veggies and whole grains are ok for your dog.  You need to factor in any healthy scraps into their caloric intake so we often suggest you skip the scraps until you get your dog to a healthy weight.

Myth: My dog is from a fat breed so there is nothing I can do.
Truth: Just because your dog's breed has a tendency to be fat does not mean it will be fat.  You should give your dog proper exercise and take the time to monitor his food.  Any breed can be fit even ones that are genetical prone to obesity.  If you find that nothing you do is working than you should see your vet, there might be underlying problems.

Myth: My dog is happy so a few extra pounds are ok.
Truth:  A few extra pounds on a dog is a lot of weight.  Your dog might appear in good spirits but it is not healthy and in the long run it will take a toll on your dogs health and well being.  Keep your dog trim and he will live a long happy life.

Myth: As long as my dog is not overweight he is healthy.
Truth:  Being underweight is just as dangerous for a dog as being overweight.  Malnutrition in dogs leads to deficiencies in necessary vitamins and minerals and could lead to illness or disease.  If your dog is underweight you should see your vet to find out the cause and remedy the situation.