Why is My Pet's Head Shrinking?
Obesity Management

Over the years the 'pudgy puppy' and the 'fat cat' have become a sign of a well loved pet. However, we know that a pet does not have to be over fed to be considered well cared for and loved. As a matter of fact excess weight can increase the risk of health problems. It is estimated that 25-30 percent of dogs and 40 percent of cats are overweight. Obesity is an excess amount of body fat due to increased intake of calories and a decreased or nonexistent amount of exercise. An animal is considered obese if they weigh 20 percent more that their ideal body weight. Here are some things you should consider if you think your pet may be overweight.

Have a veterinarian examine your pet. Many medical conditions can cause sudden weight gain such as thyroid disease and other endocrine disorders, certain diabetic conditions, adrenal gland problems, etc. Work with your veterinarian on a diet that is formulated specifically for your pet. Remember this is not an instant fix. A pet that is 30% overweight should take no less than about 6 months to reach it's ideal weight.

Measure your pets food. Be aware of exactly what your pet is eating and how much. Keep a log of everything your pet eats. This will help you and your veterinarian know how much your pet is actually getting. And most importantly be honest. It won't help your veterinarian or your pet if you leave anything out; even a piece of bread crust you gave 'Fluffy' off your sandwich can potentially be a problem. Instead of one large meal a day feed your pet two or three smaller meals. If they are to be given 2 1/2 cups of food a day split that up. For example, give 1 cup in the morning 1/2 a cup at lunch time and 1 cup at night. Your pet feels it is getting more food even though it isn't, and they burn calories as they eat. More meals eaten means more calories burned.

NO TABLE SCRAPS. They call it people food for a reason. If your pet is used to getting a treat during your meal inform your veterinarian so that it can be worked into your pet's diet. Snacks and treats can be adding more calories to your pets ever expanding waist than their actual diet.  If you must feed your pet a snack at dinner time include such things as raw carrots, raw cauliflower, ice cubes or even better, store part of their daily food in a jar and use that as a treat.
REMEMBER: Many of the foods safe for human can toxic even fatal to our pets.  Consult your veterinarian before offering you pet ANY non pet food item.

Weigh you pet regularly.  While on a diet it is very important to weigh your pet routinely to be sure that they are not losing weight too quickly or that they are at least maintaining their weight.

Exercise Exercise Exercise!  Incorporate daily physical activity with their diet. DO NOT expect your pet to snooze on the couch through the week and make up for that time by spending hours playing on the weekend. Toy or small breeds need two 20-30 minute exercise regiments a day.  That can be a walk, some time outside, or just some good old fashion play time with lots of toys. Medium size breeds need approximately 90 minutes of exercise a day, and large breed animals 60-90 minutes of exercise a day (dependant on the age and health of your pet). A minimum of 20 minutes of exercise a day is recommended to avoid muscle injuries.  Swimming is a good nonweight-bearing activity for overweight or arthritic dogs.
 Know when your pet is tired. Dogs will hesitate before fetching, pant rapidly, or let their tongue droop when they are tired.
MOST IMPORTANTLY discuss everything with your veterinarian and don't be afraid to ask questions.

A way to check if your pet is overweight is to check the ribs. With your thumbs on your pet's backbone, GENTLY put pressure on your pet's rib cage. If you cannot readily feel the ribs, your pet is over weight.

BODY CONDITION CHART 1. Emaciated Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident from a distance. No discernable body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass. 2. Very Thin Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences easily visible. No palpable fat. Minimal loss of muscle mass. 3. Thin Ribs easily palpable and may be visible with no palpable fat. Tops of lumbar vertebrae visible. Pelvic bone becoming prominent. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck. 4. Underweight Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering. Waist easily noted, viewed from above. Abdomen tucked up when viewed from the side. 5. Ideal Ribs easily palpable without excess fat covering. Waist observed behind ribs when viewed from above. Abdomen tucked evident. 6. Overweight Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering. Waist is discernible viewed from above but is not prominent. Abdomen tuck apparent. 7. Heavy Ribs palpable with difficulty, heavy fat cover. Noticeable fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent or barely visible. Abdominal tuck may be absent. 8. Obese Ribs not palpable under very heavy fat cover, or palpable only with significant pressure. Heavy fat deposits over lumbar area and base of tail. Waist absent. No abdominal tuck. Obvious abdominal distention may be present. 9. Grossly Obese Massive fat deposits over thorax, spine and base of tail. ŠPurina (by permission)

Any breed of dog can become overweight due to too much food! However, some breeds are more genetically prone to obesity. These are merely averages and may vary depending upon the individual animal. Be sure to consult your veterinarian concerning your own pet.

Mixed breeds may vary from the breed standards.

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