Paws N' Pounds Plan
Drivers of Canine Obesity
Prevention of obesity-related disorders is always simpler, more convenient, and cheaper than the processes required to treat obesity and its related health disorders. In order to understand how to prevent obesity, we must understand what causes obesity!
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Overfeeding
Regular dog food, treats, table scraps, human food
Feeding excessive amounts of foods during regular meals, along with providing high energy snacks or treats are some of the main drivers of obesity. Simply put, when energy consumed is higher than energy used, the remaining energy is converted to the most efficient form of energy storage, which in this case is fat.
Inconsistent Feeding
Inconsistent meal portions and meal times
Can also disrupt a dog's natural appetite regulatory mechanisms. A dog that is accustomed to irregular meal sizes may overeat if it anticipates a smaller meal the next day, and in most cases they would rather overeat than starve. This may lead to the inability to self-regulate food intake. Hunger and satiety regulating hormones such as leptin and ghrelin may also activate at different times during the day due to inconsistent feeding which can further contribute to overeating and weight gain.
Insufficient Exercise
Physical and Mental Effects
Exercise is one of the most effective forms of energy expenditure and it has many physical and mental benefits and without regular exercise, weight gain and obesity can occur extremely quickly.Without sufficient exercise, issues such as caloric imbalance, decreased metabolic rate, muscle wasting, increased appetite due to boredom or lack of stimulation as well as behavioural changes that disrupts feeding activity can all contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Genetic Predisposition
Breeds that have higher risk
There are certain breeds that have increased risk of obesity. Sporting/working breeds will also require more exercise than the average dog. Here are some common breeds that an owner of should be more wary of:
Basset hounds, Beagles, Boxers, Cairn terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers
Neuter Status
Removal of male dog testicles & Removal of female ovaries +/- uterus
Important sex hormones that play a role in regulating muscle and adipose tissue development include testosterone (male) and estrogen (female). Testosterone in particular has anabolic effects that promote muscle growth and increases the basal metabolic rate.
The removal of reproductive organs also reduces overall energy requirements since there are less organs to maintain now. In addition to reduced energy required, neutering can also alter behaviour in our dogs, adopting a more sedentary lifestyle. This reduction in activity levels can further contribute to the risk of obesity.
Age
Lean body mass and metabolic rate
As our canine companions age, several physiological changes that begin to occur can accelerate the rate of fat buildup, eventually leading to obesity. One notable change is the decrease in their lean body mass that reduces their energy intake requirements. At the same time, their metabolic rate also begins to slow down and they become less efficient at utilizing the calories that they consume. Overfeeding or even maintaining the same feeding regimen as when they were younger can result in the imbalance of energy intake and expenditure, resulting in the accumulation of excess fat and adipose tissue which eventually leads to obesity. Moreover, a higher degree of leniency from the owners when it comes to regular exercise in aging dogs can also contribute to obesity.
Health complications
Unrelated health complications that contribute to obesity
Current health complications can result in increased weight gain by altering the metabolic rate or by increasing a dog's appetite.
Hypothyroidism is a fairly common endocrine disorder in dogs that results in a decrease of hormones produced by the thyroid glands that are responsible for regulating the body's metabolic rate. A decrease in hormonal production means a depressed metabolic rate, leading to the potential of weight gain without an increased appetite.
Another commmon disease is Cushing's disease, which is another name for hyperadrenocorticism meaning an increase in the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that stimulates appetite, by the adrenal glands. Increased cortisol production leads to an increased appetite as well as lethargy, which can further increase the risk of obesity due to their lack of want to exercise.
Drivers of obesity
Overfeeding
Feeding excessive amounts of foods during regular meals, along with providing high energy snacks or treats are some of the main drivers of obesity. Simply put, when energy consumed is higher than energy used, the remaining energy is converted to the most efficient form of energy storage, which in this case is fat.
Inconsistent feeding
Inconsistent feeding can also disrupt a dog's natural appetite regulatory mechanisms. A dog that is acustomed to irregular meal sizes may over-eat if it anticipates a smaller meal the next day, and in most cases they would rather over-eat than starve. This may lead to the inability to self-regulate food intake. Hunger and satiety regulating hormones such as leptin and ghrelin may also activate at different times during the day due to inconsistent feeding which can further contribute to overeating and weight gain.
Inadequate exercise
Insufficient exercise can contribute to dog obesity by leading to an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. When dogs don't get enough physical activity, they burn fewer calories, which can result in excess energy being stored as fat. This can lead to weight gain over time, ultimately contributing to obesity. Additionally, lack of exercise can also lead to muscle loss and decreased metabolic rate, further exacerbating the issue.
Genetic predisposition
There are certain breeds that have increased risk of obesity. Here are some common breeds that an owner of should be more wary of:
- Basset hounds
- Beagles
- Boxers
- Cairn terriers
- Cavalier King Charles spaniels
- Cocker spaniels
- Dachshunds
- Poodles
- Shetland sheepdogs
Age
As our canine companions age, several physiological changes that begin to occur can accelerate the rate of fat buildup, eventually leading to obesity. One notable change is the decrease in their lean body mass that reduces their energy intake requirements. At the same time, their metabolic rate also begins to slow down and they become less efficient at utilizing the calories that they consume.
Overfeeding or even maintaining the same feeding regimen as when they were younger can result in the imbalance of energy intake and expenditure, resulting in the accumulation of excess fat and adipose tissue which eventually leads to obesity.
Neuter status
While neutering your pet offers numerous benefits such as reduced aggression and not having to worry about unplanned litters, there are potential consequnces in the removal of gonads that results in changes to circulating hormones and the basal metabolic rate.
Important sex hormones that play a role in regulating muscle and adipose tissue development include testosterone (male) and estrogen (female). Testosterone in particular has anabolic effects that promote muscle growth and increases the basal metabolic rate.
The removal of reproductive organs also reduces overall energy requirements since there are less organs to maintain now. In addition to reduced energy required, neutering can also alter behaviour in our dogs, adopting a more sedentary lifestyle. This reduction in activity levels can further contribute to the risk of obesity.
Medications
Live and Learn
It is important to note that obesity is not solely caused by the actions of people. There are many different conditions and genetic variables that predispose an animal to gain excess weight. We must remember to be kind to both ourselves and our animals, many times, these results are not the fault of the owner!
That being said, it is always important to educate yourself and be open minded to suggestions - especially if it is for the benefit of your furry best friend and yourself!
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