Weight Loss Program for Overweight Dogs

Transcription

1 Weight Loss Program for Overweight Dogs

2 A multi-dimensional weight management approach to lose weight and enjoy a healthier lifestyle Most veterinary researchers and practitioners have noticed that the incidence of overweight or obesity in the pet population is increasing globally. Studies from various parts of the world have estimated the incidence of obesity in the dog population to be between 22 to 45%. Like humans, overweight or obese dogs can be at risk of developing some serious health problems. Overweight or obese dogs do not generally live as long as dogs that are fitter and maintain normal weight. In addition to being at a greater risk for heart disease, overweight dogs show greater incidence of arthritis, breathing problems, pancreatic disorders, liver diseases and many more. Therefore, losing weight and getting into shape can add only years to you or your dog s life; it can also make those extra years more enjoyable. In the United States alone, over 44% of dogs are now estimated to be overweight or obese according to the annual National Pet Obesity Day Study (2008) conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). According to the study, 9.6% (7.2 million) of dogs were estimated to be obese and 34.7% (25 million) of dogs were overweight. In another large study conducted in Australia, more than 41% of dogs are overweight or obese. It is estimated that 7.6% of dogs were considered to be obese, whereas 33.5% of dogs were classified as overweight.

3 Health Risks in Overweight or Obese Dogs Skin and Coat Problems Obesity leaves your dog more prone to skin infections, dermatitis and other skin and hair problems Breathing Difficulties Carrying excess weight around the chest restricts the expansion of the lung and may lead to huffing and puffing Reduced Stamina All the extra weight that your dog has to carry will make it harder to get around Joint Problems The extra weight on the joints and ligaments can worsen the pain and make it harder for your dog to move around Heart Diseases Being overweight makes your dog s heart works harder and may lead to high blood pressure It is evident from the above that the health, ability to play, even to breathe are diminished in overweight or obese dogs. Your overweight dogs may become more irritable due to being hot, in pain or simply uncomfortable with the excess weight. It is a fact that overweight dogs die at a younger age than those at an optimal weight. The effect of genetics has been recognized for breed associations with obesity in dogs (e.g., Labrador Retrievers, Cairn Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels). Generally, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Collies, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Elkhounds, French Bulldogs, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Mastiffs, Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties), Shih Tzus, St. Bernards, Weimaraners and Welsh Corgis are more prone to becoming overweight than other breeds. Obesity is simply the result of too much energy (calories) intake in the form of food, compared with the amount of energy expended by the animal. Most importantly, we know that dogs do not feed themselves. Most often, the root cause of a pet s weight gain lies with the pet s owner and there too lies the approach to a successful weight loss program. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to help your dog live a longer, healthier and more enjoyable life The role of the veterinarian and his or her team in working closely with the pet s owners are important. They can help to make the pet s owner aware very early if their dogs are overweight or obese, change the owner s behaviour and motivate them to take action. The owner s motivation is essential to the success of a weight loss program. A successful weight loss program for dogs is multi-dimensional and should consist of the following:

4 STEP 1: VETERINARY EXAMINATION The current medical classification state that cats and dogs as overweight if their body weight is 15% above their ideal weight and as obese when their body weight exceeds 30% of the their ideal weight. It is important that any dog with weight problem should be examined by a veterinarian as certain medical conditions can cause obesity in dogs. The veterinarian will determine if there is an underlying cause for the obesity or if there are other medical conditions present, which could complicate weight reduction. Because diseases such as hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus can be associated with obesity and should be checked for these diseases prior to the weight loss program. Veterinarians often use a 9-point body condition scoring system to evaluate the body condition of pets. A point value of 1 means the dog is extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of 9 means the pet is grossly overweight. A score of 5 is ideal. To determine body score, there are several specific areas of the dog we can look at. Please refer to the illustrations which depict the contours of various body scores (see Body Condition Score). The veterinarian is also a valuable resource in helping you establish a weight loss program specific for you and your dog. When starting a weight loss program for your dog, your veterinarian can help you determine a realistic goal and timeline. It is important to understand how long the process may take. In general, a reasonable goal to aim for is 1 to 2% of the body weight per week to minimize hunger and prevent loss of lean body mass. We do not want the dog to lose weight too fast, since rapid weight loss increases the likelihood of rebound weight gain when the weight loss program is stopped. A more gradual weight loss will result in an easier to maintain normal weight. It is expected to take at least 3 months for moderately overweight dogs to achieve its ideal weight (see Weight Loss Plan). STEP 2: HOUSEHOLD COOPERATION One of the main reasons weight loss program for dogs fail is that one (or more) member(s) in the family or even the neighbours, is not following the weight loss plan. Everyone must agree that the program is essential for the life and health of the dog. Each must follow the recommendations regarding diet, treats, exercise, etc., if the program is to be successful and the dog achieves its ideal weight again. Please remember that the most obese pets are made, not born, that way. Many pet s owners give their pets treats and snacks and feed them whenever the pet begs for food. In essence, these owners are setting their pets up for all of the health risks that can occur with overweight.

5 Body Condition Score Body composition, measured by looking at the pet from the top and sides and feeling the areas over the ribs and spine more accurately reflects overweight than a certain magical number. To determine if your dog is overweight, run your hand along your dog s side. If you cannot feel his ribs or your dog does not have a waist, this is an indication that it is time to start a weight loss program. VERY THIN UNDERWEIGHT 1 < 5% Body Fat % Body Fat Body Condition Scoring for Dogs Ribs, spine and bony protrusions are easily seen at a distance. These pets have lost muscle mass and there is no observable body fat. Emaciated, bony, and starved in appearance. Ribs, spine and other bones are easily felt. These pets have an obvious waist when viewed from above and an abdominal tuck. Thin, lean or skinny in appearance. IDEAL % Body Fat Ribs and spine are easily felt but not necessarily visible. There is a waist when viewed from above and the abdomen is raised and not sagging when viewed from the side. Normal, ideal and often muscular in appearance. OVERWEIGHT OBESE % Body Fat 9 > 35% Body Fat Ribs and spine are hard to feel or count underneath fat deposits. Waist is distended or often pear-shaped when viewed from above. The abdomen sags when seen from the side. There are typically fat deposits on the hips, base of tail and chest. Overweight, heavy, husky or stout. Large fat deposits over the chest, back, tail base and hindquarters. The abdomen sags prominently and there is no waist when viewed from above. The chest and abdomen often appear rounded or swollen. Obese.

6 STEP 3: DIET CHANGE Calculating the daily calories: Most weight loss program for dogs recommend estimating the dog's ideal weight and calculating the calories your dog needs based on the dog s Resting Energy Requirements (RER). The RER is the basic amount of energy that a dog would use in a day while remaining at rest. There is extreme variability (up to 20%) in the actual RER of dogs weighing the same, since their activity level can vary greatly. There are huge differences between breeds, size, growth rates in puppies, daily activity levels, skin and coat thickness and living conditions. For this reason, you should never put your dog on a diet without the assistance of your veterinarian and it is important that you follow the weight loss diet recommended by your veterinarian (see Weight Loss Plan). A basic formula for calculating RER for weight loss in dogs is: Ideal weight in pounds divided by 2.2 give you weight in kilograms (kg). Calculate the Resting Energy Requirements (RER) based on this ideal weight. o RER in kcal / day = 30 (body weight in kilograms) + 70 For weight loss in dogs, feeding the RER calories should be adequate. In cases that fail to respond to this amount of calories, the total will need to be reduced. There are two basic ways to cut down on calories. One is to reduce the amount of food the dog is currently eating. The second is to switch to a special weight reduction diet. And of course, feeding with either way, table scraps are not allowed and treats shall be kept to minimal. Reducing the amount of current food: If your dog are placed on a weight loss program that requires to continue eating the current food, it is generally recommended that the amount of food fed daily be reduced by about 20 to 40%. For example, if your dog is normally fed 3 cups of dry food, he should now be fed in the range of a little less than 2 cups to 2½ cups. After 3 to 4 weeks, the progress is evaluated. It may be necessary to cut the amount fed even further. Feeding a new weight reduction diet: Weight reduction diets allow you to feed the usual amount of food (unless you are severely overfeeding), but still feed less fat and calories. For example, if your dog is normally fed 3 cups of food, the recommended amount of new weight reduction diet will probably be about 3 cups also. When you are introducing a new diet to your dog, allow several days for the transition. In general, it is recommended to add the new diet gradually over a one week period. Start by substituting one-quarter (1/4) of the diet for 1 to 2 days, then increase to one-half (1/2) total volume of food for another 2 days, then three-quarter (3/4) new food for a final 2 to 3 days before completely switching to the new diet. Dogs need a diet that is rich in high quality proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb and fish and should constitute at least 20% of your dog s diet. Moderate percentages of high quality fats are also important and these may avoid skin and coat problems. Reduce the intake of carbohydrates and sugars as these may promote weight gain. Fiber helps to promote easy digestion.

7 For most dogs, feeding them several times per day will keep hunger at bay and will also increase the number of calories burned. Generally, feeding 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day are recommended. Also feeding your overweight dog separately from the other pets to prevent him from eating their food. Feeding your dog before you prepare a meal or eat may be also helpful to prevent begging. Treats should not make up more than 10% of the daily intake. Use low calories treats when you need to and carrots and other veggies are great treats. New toys are often a good substitute for treats, as is exercise. If you ask your dog, she will probably say your attention is the best treat she could have. STEP 4: EXERCISE PLAN Weight management in pets involves more than dietary consideration. In addition to reducing calorie intake, it is important to increase the calories used. Increasing physical activity is an important aspect for pets on a weight loss program. When used in combination with sensible diet, it promotes fat loss and may assist in lean tissue preservation. Exercise may in fact be more important than feeding a diet food. Exercise programs will need to be tailored to the dog taking into account the existing condition of the dog's muscles and joints, heart, and respiratory system. It is important to choose physical activities suitable for your dog and do not overdo. Start slowly and work up to higher activity levels. Rest if you notice signs of fatigue, like heavy panting. In general, leash walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day, five times a week would be a great way to start (see Weight Loss Exercise Plan). The exercise time may vary according to your dog s size, age and health conditions. If your dog is quite obese, exercise should be introduced gradually. Too much activity can be dangerous to a very obese dog. Other suitable exercise program for dogs include swimming, hydrotherapy and treadmills. Swimming is an excellent choice for obese dogs with arthritis as it places less stress on the joints. Again, exercise is a great way to give your dog the attention and it can be a substitute for treats. Exercise will help your dog to build muscle and increase mental stimulation, taking his focus away from food. There is also some evidence that exercise may help prevent the rapid weight gain that can occur after successful weight loss.

8 Weight Loss Exercise Plan When you combine exercise with proper diet and healthy lifestyle, you extend the years you will have to hug and love and snuggle with your loving pets. Walking your dog every day, you ll enhance the bond you share and know that you are doing both yourself and your pet a world of good. Of course, make sure your veterinarian examine your dog first before undertaking a weight loss exercise plan. Walking Your Dog for Weight Loss GET THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT Forget the leash and collar. Collars can compress the trachea (windpipe) when pulled, causing difficulty breathing or even injury. Especially dangerous are choke collars or constricting collars of any design. A head halter or walking harness is your safest choice. Look for wide, soft, padded straps and breathable materials. We prefer retractable leashes no longer than 12 feet - you will be keeping your canine companion close to keep up a steady pace. Save the long leash for those casual strolls around the neighbourhood. For winter walks, protective booties may be required if you live in a cold climate country. If it is warm and above 30 C (85 F) for most dogs or if you will be walking longer than 30 minutes, carry a portable water bottles for your dogs on the move. SET THE RIGHT PACE Few dogs will naturally walk at a pace that generates the elevated heart rates needed for sustained aerobic activity. Walking for weight loss is very different than walking for pleasure. Make your objective to move briskly on the out leg of your walk, and then let your dog smell the roses on the back leg. If you start slowly, allowing your pet to sniff everything he sees, you may have a challenge getting him to speed up when you re ready. Draw your dog close on his leash, generally within two to four feet on the side away from the street, and set off at a pace you feel comfortable sustaining. It should feel brisk and you should break a light sweat. The key is to keep it up! Don t look down when your pooch inevitably wants to stop and smell something or mark a hydrant. Continue looking straight ahead, tighten the leash (don t jerk), and give a command such as No stop, Come, or Here. It s important for your dog to understand that you have places to go and that this is different from your usual lolly-gagging affair. Head halters are a great way to train dogs to heel during a brisk walk and pay attention. If your pet sits or refuses to walk, you may have to return home, crate him or put him in a quiet space without your attention, and try again another time. I have yet to encounter a dog that didn t take readily to brisk walking. SET TIME GOALS For most overweight or obese dogs with normal heart and lung function, normal blood pressure, and no other pre-existing medical conditions, we recommend starting with 30 minutes walks five times a week. Here s an example: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 30 minutes total 30 minutes total 30 minutes total 40 minutes total 10 minutes brisk followed by 20 minutes casual pace 15 minutes brisk followed by 15 minutes casual pace 20 minutes brisk followed by 10 minutes casual pace 30 minutes brisk followed by 10 minutes casual pace Week minutes total If possible, walk 30 minutes a day seven days a week. Two x 30 minutes walks per day: 25 minutes brisk followed by 5 minutes casual pace CHECK WEIGHT MONTHLY Have your dog weighed by your veterinarian monthly until he or she reaches the target weight. Also, have the veterinary staff to inspect the dog s pads for any injuries or problems and check that the nails are short and healthy.

9 STEP 5: INTAKE OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS When reducing the amount of your dog's regular food intake, it also means your dog is receiving fewer nutrients. Therefore, you may need to provide supplement to ensure that he gets all the essential vitamins and minerals and it is something you should be aware of. The increase of exercise may also produce a greater demand for essential nutrients. Supplementation ensures that deficiency states do not arise. A supplement of vitamins and minerals may be helpful to guarantee your dog's body gets what it needs to stay healthy, remain alert and active. Until recently, most of the weight reduction diets were deficient in fatty acids, and therefore supplementation was necessary. One of the observations of decreased fatty acid intake is that most dogs end up with dry, flaky and itchy skin. To ensure your dog's skin and coat stay healthy, it may still be necessary to supplement your pet with a good skin and coat supplement. Nowadays, many high quality weight reduction dog foods contain fatty acids to alleviate this problem. They would also be formulated to contain adequate amount of essential vitamins and minerals. STEP 6: WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENTS Veterinarians may have preferred supplements that they will recommend to promote the weight loss in pets and the end results will be more visible and predictable in times. In order to lose weight, your dog needs to burn more calories than he eats. Overweight or obese dogs have a slow metabolism and they simply do not burn off those calories very fast. By taking weight loss supplement, the dog will start burning his fat deposits to generate energy required and also has an increased metabolic rate to convert excess carbohydrate for daily activity. When a weight loss supplement is added to the weight loss program, your dogs will have faster weight reduction than those dogs who were just on a weight loss program alone. Various nutraceuticals and herbal ingredients are being evaluated for use as an adjunct to the more traditional weight loss program. Many of these weight loss supplements have been used successfully in human and animal studies and their safety and effectiveness have also been proven. These supplements help to reduce or block the calories available and at the same time increase the usage of excess calories for the conversion into energy. By doing so, your dogs will lose weight faster and achieve the target weight in shorter time. Some of these supplements on the market contain the clinically proven starch blocker, Phase 2 TM which is an extract from white kidney bean to promote weight loss naturally in overweight and obese dogs. This is especially useful for those dogs with arthritis or joint problems, diabetes and dogs that are eating commercial pet foods with high carbohydrate contents or with starch additives. Phase 2 TM has been evaluated by US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and its functional claims which are may reduce the enzymatic digestion of dietary starches and may assist in weight control when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise program have also been approved.

10 The following is a summary of the actions of various active ingredients used to promote weight loss: Active Ingredient Proposed Action White Kidney Bean Extract Green Tea Extract Green Mate Leaf Extract Guarana Extract L-carnitine Chromium Chitosan Vitamin B Group - inhibits amylase activity - prevents the digestion of complex carbohydrates - increases fat utilization for energy - stimulates fat metabolism - controls appetite - increases metabolic rate of the body - inhibits lipase activity - stimulates metabolic rate of the body - increases the utilization of fat - suppresses the lipolysis - enhances the utilization of fat for energy production - reduces lean tissue loss - regulates glucose metabolism - supports proper utilization of insulin - reduces the sugar craving and controls appetite - prevents fat absorption - reduces cholesterol and triglycerides level - supports synthesis of protein - promotes metabolism of carbohydrate and fat - supports normal functions of the body STEP 7: MONITOR PROGRESS Constant monitoring is the single most important component of the weight loss program. It is a good idea to keep a written record of food intake (including all treats) and exercise on a weekly basis (see Weekly Weight Loss Record). Weigh your dog weekly on the same scale at the same time of day. Most veterinary clinics will be more than happy to have you come in and use their scale. It is sometimes helpful to record this information (dates and weights) on your dog s weight loss progress so that the dog's response to the program can be monitored and adjustments made if necessary. At some stages, you may notice that your dog s weight reach a 'plateau' in which your dog seems stuck at a certain weight. This is common and it is vital that you continue with the weight loss program. It has been demonstrated that weight loss is more successful if you follow the recommendations of the weight loss program with regular weigh-in sessions at your veterinary clinics. Make appointments with your veterinarian every 2 to 4 weeks to monitor the progress and make adjustments in the weight loss program. A good way to help you enjoy your success in helping your dog lose weight is to take a picture before starting the weight loss program, several times during the weight reduction process, and then one at its conclusion. You will be amazed at the difference your dog looks.

11 Weekly Weight Loss Record You can help your veterinarian to monitor your pet s weight loss plan by tracking their daily meals, treats and activity in the following table to ensure successful weight loss. DATE AND TIME FOOD TREATS ACTIVITIES Example: Day 1 / 8a.m. Day 1 1/2 cup Healthy Dog dry food 2 Happy Dog treats Walking (30mins) Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 STEP 8: WEIGHT MAINTENANCE When you and your dog achieved the target weight, congratulate yourself and your dog. You will be amazed at how much younger and livelier your dog has become once he lost the excess weight. After that, it is important that you remain focus and continue to maintain the ideal weight. To be sure that your dog do not regain it, continue weighing your dog as you gradually increase food intake. You can either feed more of the weight reduction diet or change to a diet that is less restrictive. Do not start feeding free choice (the bowl of food is always there). If weight is regained consistently for 2 weeks, or more than 3% of weight is regained in one week, go back on the diet program. Remember, exercise needs to be continued after the weight is lost or otherwise excess weight will start to accumulate again. There is also some evidence that exercise may help prevent the rapid regain in weight that can occur after successful weight loss. Suitable exercise strategies for dogs may include leash walking, swimming, hydrotherapy and treadmills.

12 Affix photo of your dog before Weight Loss

13 Affix photo of your dog after Weight Loss Success

14 WEIGHT LOSS PLAN Your veterinarian will help to determine the best weight management program for your pet. Follow your veterinarian s diet and exercise recommendations as part of your pet s daily routine to achieve the ideal weight. Pet s Name Pet: Gender: Dog Cat Others: Male Male Neutered Female Female Spayed Existing Medical Conditions: Overall Plan Date Age Starting Weight: Abdominal Circumference: Ideal Weight: Monthly Weight Loss Goal: Time to Reach Ideal Weight: Daily Calories Requirements: Recommended Diet: Recommended Supplement: Length: Thoracic Circumference: per month Date to Reach Ideal Weight: Amount per Day: Cups Cans Weight Check Date Target Weight for that day Calories to Feed Actual Weight Abdominal Circumference Thoracic Circumference Follow Your Veterinarian s Advice

15 Veterinary Formula ADVANCE WEIGHT CONTROL with Starch Neutralizer for Weight Control Promote Weight Loss and Maintain Ideal Body Weight Disclaimer: The information provided in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Use as directed. Always read the label before use. Consult your veterinarian for further information.

16 Your veterinarian will help to determine the best weight management program for your pet. Together veterinarian, you and your dog we can help your dog achieve its weight loss and fitness goals safely and successfully. OBESE? NEED HELP? Talk to your vet now! Provided with the compliments of: Exclusive Veterinary Product by Natural Pet TM Main Distributor: MCT Aromatics-Botls Agencies 5001, Beach Road #06-29, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore Fax: (65) For more information on our range of products, please visit us at