Another issue with controlling obesity is the changes that can occur to the metabolism and fat cells.  The body becomes accustom to the excess weight as normal. As part of the body' s self preservation mechanism, when the body senses it is not getting enough food intake, it slows the metabolism down to prevent the loss of stored food reserves. Metabolism is simple energy rate the body uses to maintain itself.  It is the most basic bodily functions at a cellular level to high levels energy output from physical activity.  Metabolism controls the burning of energy resources, how fast, at what rate and when to tap into stored glycogen.  At rest, the body uses the least amount of metabolism to maintain the body' s systems.

Fat cells trigger hunger. The higher levels of fat cells, the more hunger is produced when they start to burn.  The more over weight a dog becomes the more chance for developing an out of control metabolism which can cause them to be constantly hungry.  A cycle begins, fat cells burn, hunger is produced, the dog eats more.  The more the dog eats the more fat cells are produced, the more hungry the dog becomes. The dog ends up over eating all the time.  When the body triggers from fat cells, it also slows the metabolism down.  The slower the metabolism, the slower fat is used up.  This happens because the body in programmed to survive and anything that tips off a loss of stored fat indicates to the body a loss of food source as life threatening. When people try to dramatically limit the dog caloric intake in an attempt to take weight off, the dog becomes ravenous. This is not the best nor safest approach.

 Here are two things that help in weight loss and maintaining proper balance.  Eating stimulates the metabolism which facilitates weight loss.  It is important your dog eats on a regular basis.  Two meals twice a dog is better than one big meal.  Take the same amount of food and split into two feedings.  This keeps the metabolism working and lessens the dogs' hunger.  Also two meals a day is good for keeping the insulin and blood sugar levels in balance.  What you feed is also as important as when you feed.  The proper balance of proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates are essential.  Drastic diets will cause water and muscle loss while maintaining the fat levels.  The diet should contain 30% protein, 30% fat and 40% complex carbohydrates.

 Muscle burns calories, so exercise and the development of muscle will burn unwanted fat reserves, keep the metabolism working at peck performance and maintain proper weight.

For dog slightly over weight, just reducing some treats out of the daily diet and some good walks will help bring the body back to a proper weight.

 

A large dog cookie is equal to about 1/3 cup of dog food!

If your dog is seriously over weight it is best to speak with your Vet and get a suggested weight loss program that will be safe for them. 

Start out slow.  What your dog did a few years ago, they may not be able to do now.  Make your goals small to start.  Changing diet is a good start!  Walking a block to begin or even half a block depending on the dogs physical condition may be your first steps to a healthier dog.

Over working the dog can be dangerous, especially in the heat and humidity.  Exercise in the early morning hours or later in the evening or after dusk depending on your climate.  A heavy dog has to work dramatically harder to keep pace with you.  So walk slower, stop frequently and let your dog rest.  If you build slowly, before long your dog will moving further and with a lighter step.  Remember it took a few years to get this way and they aren't going to lose weight over night!

A great form of exercise is swimming.  The heavier the dog is, the more careful you need to be of the joints.  It is very easy for them to tear ligaments or develop hip and elbow problems.  Swimming takes the pressure off the joints.  A dog with higher levels of fat have a greater buoyancy in water allowing them to exercise more freely.  If you don't have access to a pool or lake, see if you can find a rehab facility with a pool.  Often equine centers have swim tanks and allow off hour use for dogs.  As Veterinarian Physical therapy centers become more popular, you may be able to find these center near you.

If your dog does not have an off leash recall use a harness and long line.  A harness is safer for them in the water then utilizing their collar.  Make sure the harness fits properly and is adjustable.  There a long lines designed just for water which float, removing the heavy drag often found with regular long lines.

Take a toy that floats if your dog likes to retrieve.  This will get them into the water and moving around.

In the article on exercise, we will cover water retrieval exercises.

Click here for more information