Being Overweight Shaves Nearly a Year from Your Dog’s Life, Especially in These 5 Breeds
Story at-a-glance
- Recent research suggests that dogs that are overweight at middle age may not live as long as dogs of normal weight.
- A study of approximately 5,500 dogs from 10 different breeds showed that those who are overweight at middle age can have their lives cut short by up to 10 months. This is especially prevalent in certain breeds, including Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles and Shih Tzus.
- Overweight dogs can also suffer from a long list of costly obesity-related conditions that can compromise their mobility and quality of life.
- Orthopedic problems are occurring in ever-younger pets, and with greater severity, due to obesity. Dogs that are nearly immobile from a combination of weight and joint or bone problems are becoming commonplace.
- Helping your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight involves a combination of feeding species-appropriate nutrition in portion-controlled meals, and insuring your pet is getting plenty of regular exercise.
By Dr. Becker
If your dog is overweight or obese, you now have another huge incentive to help him slim down. According to recent research conducted by scientists from the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in collaboration with Banfield Pet Hospital, being overweight shortens a dog’s lifespan.
Information was collected from veterinarians on approximately 5,500 pet dogs across 10 popular breeds throughout the U.S., using body condition scores for neutered male and spayed female dogs between 6.5 and 8.5 years of age.
The study results show that dogs that are overweight at middle age may not be around as long as those at a healthy weight. The research suggests that being too heavy can shave up to 10 months off a dog’s life, and this is particularly apparent in five breeds: the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, Beagle and the Shih Tzu.
Overweight Dogs Also Acquire Devastating Obesity-Related Diseases
One thing the Waltham Centre study does not address is the quality of life of overweight and obese pets, many of which suffer from mobility problems and other obesity-related conditions for the final months of their lives.
Because so many pets are overweight these days, it’s common for veterinarians to see animals suffering from health conditions secondary to their obesity, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory problems, and kidney disease.
According to Petplan USA, in 2011, insurance claims for pets with diabetes increased over 250 percent from the prior year. Claims for heart disease rose over 30 percent, and for arthritic pets, nearly 350 percent. Orthopedic conditions are occurring in younger and younger pets, and with greater severity, because so many animals are overweight. Dogs that are nearly immobile from a combination of weight and joint or bone problems are becoming commonplace. Otherwise alert, healthy dogs are being euthanized because they simply can’t get around anymore, which destroys their quality of life.
How to Help a Heavy Dog Reach and Maintain His Ideal Weight
Excess weight on the relatively small sized body of a dog has serious and more immediate consequences than added weight on a human body. Couple that with the already short average lifespan of canines, and it’s easy to see how quickly and completely a dog’s life can be devastated by obesity.
If your dog is too heavy, isn’t it time to get him safely down to a healthy weight, so you can have him around as long as possible, and with a good quality of life?
My top three recommendations for helping an overweight pet lose weight:
- Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet. Regardless of his weight, your dog still needs the right nutrition for his species, which means food that is high in animal protein and moisture, with low or no grain content.
- Practice portion control — usually a morning and evening meal, carefully measured. A high protein, low carb diet with the right amount of calories for weight loss, controlled through the portions you feed, is what will take the weight off your dog. And don’t forget to factor in any calories from treats.
- Regularly exercise your pet. Daily exercise, including at least 20 minutes of consistent aerobic activity, will help your pet burn fat and increase muscle tone.
For more information: "How to Help Your Chunky Dog Release Excess Pounds."
Halloween Pet Fun… Looking Back
Looking back at some fun Halloween moments with our gang and friends…
Happy Halloween 2013 From the Gang at Just One More Pet
2013 Annual NYC Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade – Haunted Hounds
‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Sour Remains Unawakened’
2013 Annual NYC Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade – Haunted Hounds
"The 23rd Annual Halloween Dog Parade held at New York`s Tompkins Square Park was nothing short of amazing. From a twerking Miley Cyrus atop a canine version of Robin Thicke, to Walter White from `Breaking Bad`".
Huffington Post: Behold, the best dressed of the day:
(Photo Credit: Hayden Rockwell) More photos at Site
2012 NYC Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade – Haunted Hounds
5 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Cats and Dogs
Halloween Fun Photos… Hope You Have a Good One!
Creative Pet Halloween Costumes
Related:
Patriot Pup Halloween Costumes 2012…
Costumes for Pet Birds and the Five Top Halloween Dangers to Pet Birds
5 Halloween Safety Tips for Your Cats and Dogs
Parade with some JOMP embellishments: Halloween is a fun holiday for kids and adults. Unfortunately, it’s not always the best time of year for cats and dogs. Here are five tips to keep your pets safe.
1. No Sweets for Your Sweetie
Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to lack of coordination and seizures. Chocolate, especially baker’s and dark chocolate, can also be potentially poisonous to animals, especially dogs. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, heart rhythm abnormalities, and even seizures. If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, please consult with your veterinarian immediately. Raisins and macadamia nuts are also no-no foods for pets.
2. Watch Out for Those Wrappers
Cats love to play with candy wrappers, but ingesting aluminum foil or cellophane can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.
3. Careful with Costumes
If you dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his movement, hearing, sight, or ability to breathe, bark, or drink. Also check the costume for choking hazards. Also make sure the costumes are inflammable. A simple festive Halloween bandana can be A smart alternative to dressing your pet from head-to-paw, especially if they don’t like dressing up!
4. Decorations Can Be Dangerous
Re-think putting candles in jack-o-lanterns. Pets can easily knock these over and start a fire, and curious kittens are particularly at risk of getting burned by candle flames. (There are many alternatives to candles and open flames these days.) Also take care to prevent your pets from having access to wires and cords from holiday decorations. If chewed, a wire can damage your pet’s mouth with shards of glass or plastic, or deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock.
5. Trick-or-Treating is for Kids, not Pets
During trick-or-treating hours, it’s generally best to keep pets in a room away from your front door. Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors constantly arriving at the door, and pets may escape the safety of your home. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification tags.
*TIP: If you have social pets, who like people and like to dress-up, put up a babygate at the door. That cuts down on the door bell rings.
**And every pet is different… I used to live in a close knit neighborhood where several of the supervising parents took their big dogs (labs and setters) out with them as they walked with their kids to trick or treat and one took her Chihuahua out in a costume in her purse… but these are exceptions rather that the rule.
Halloween Pet Treats
Your pets don’t have to be left out of the fun. You can make delicious pet friendly Halloween treats that they’ll enjoy. Pounce on over here for easy-to-make treats for your cats, dogs, and horses. And have a safe and fun Halloween.
By Michele C. Hollow who writes the pet-friendly blog Pet News and Views. She is the author of The Everything Guide to Working with Animals: From dog groomer to wildlife rescuer – tons of great jobs for animal lovers (Everything (Pets) (Kindle), and is working on a book about a WWI service dog.
*Be sure to check back here at Just One More Pet throughout the week for more Halloween and holiday tips for pet parents and for lots of fun Halloween pet photos.
Pet Dads With Their Pets (Furkids)
UCLA Shutterbug – Wyoming Outing
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival
UCLA Schutterbug - Kisses for Schatze
Reddit/orangefever - Just Wrestling
UCLA Shutterbug - Having a PowWow
UCLA Shutterbug - Whole Family is Asleep… Pups 7-Weeks Old
Memorial Day Pet Events in Atlanta… Check for Similar Events in Your Area
Here are a few options for pet-related activities this upcoming Memorial Day weekend in metro Atlanta that you can enjoy with or without your pet:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Pioneer Days
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Location: Tanglewood Farm Miniatures, 171 Tanglewood Drive, Canton, GA 30115
Cost: $10 for the tour
Click here for more information.
Saturday
LifeLine Wellness Clinic
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 129 Lake Street, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Click here for more information.
Caturday Open House at the Furkids Shelter
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 2650 Pleasantdale Road, Suite 8, Atlanta, GA 30340
Click here for more information.
Puppy Hour at Doguroo
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Doguroo, 1456 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30318
Click here for more information.
Low Cost Vaccination Clinic
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Georgia SPCA Adoption Center, 1175 Highway 23 (Buford Highway), Suite 109, Suwanee, GA 30024
Click here for more information.
Bunny Care 201
Time: 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: North Georgia House Rabbit Society, The Rabbit Center, 2280 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066
Cost: $10 donation for materials and bunny healthy treat bag
Please contact Marlene by email marlenelarkin@bellsouth.net or by calling 770-792-7222 to reserve your spot.
Click here for more information.
Barks n’ Beers
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Location: Der Biergarten, 300 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Click here for more information.
Sunday
PAWS Atlanta Vaccination Clinic
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: PAWS Atlanta, 5287 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA 30035
Click here for more information.
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Save a Life…Adopt Just One More…Pet!
Everyday we read or hear another story about pets and other animals being abandoned in record numbers while at the same time we regularly hear about crazy new rules and laws being passed limiting the amount of pets that people may have, even down to one or two… or worse yet, none.
Nobody is promoting hoarding pets or animals, but at a time when there are more pets and animals of all types being abandoned or being taken to shelters already bursting at the seams, there is nothing crazier than legislating away the ability of willing adoptive families to take in just one more pet!!
Our goal is to raise awareness and help find homes for all pets and animals that need one by helping to match them with loving families and positive situations. Our goal is also to help fight the trend of unfavorable legislation and rules in an attempt to stop unnecessary Euthenization!!
“All over the world, major universities are researching the therapeutic value of pets in our society and the number of hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and mental institutions which are employing full-time pet therapists and animals is increasing daily.” ~ Betty White, American Actress, Animal Activist, and Author of Pet Love
‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’
So if you have the room in your home and the love in your heart… Adopt Just One More Pet or consider becoming a Foster parent for pets… Also check out: Little Critter: Just One More Pet
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know(Kindle)
Photos By: Marion Algier – The UCLA Shutterbug
There is always room for Just One More Pet. So if you have room in your home and room in your heart… Adopt Just One More! If you live in an area that promotes unreasonable limitations on pets… fight the good fight and help change the rules and legislation…
Save the Life of Just One More…Animal!
Recent and Seasonal Shots
As I have been fighting Cancer… A battle I am gratefully winning, my furkids have not left my side. They have been a large part of my recovery!! Ask Marion
Photos by the UCLA Shutterbug are protected by copyright, Please email at JustOneMorePet@gmail.com or find us on twitter @JustOneMorePet for permission to duplicate for commerical purposes or to purchase photos.
See Creative Pet Halloween Costumes
If you can adopt or foster just one more pet, you could be saving a life, while adding joy to your own! Our shelters are over-flowing… Please join the fight to make them all ‘NO-Kill’ facilities.
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Great Book for Children and Pet Lovers… And a Perfect Holiday Gift
One More PetEmily loves animals so much that she can’t resist bringing them home. When a local farmer feels under the weather, she is only too eager to “feed the lambs, milk the cows and brush the rams.” The farmer is so grateful for Emily’s help that he gives her a giant egg... Can you guess what happens after that? The rhythmic verse begs to be read aloud, and the lively pictures will delight children as they watch Emily’s collection of pets get bigger and bigger.
Buy Now: A Must Have For Every Pet Owner
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