as well. All dogs are susceptible to gaining weight as they become less
active in old age. But some breeds have been reported to be more likely to
become obese than others as they watch the birthdays fly by. West Highland
White Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Cairn terriers, and
Retrievers are breeds that are noted for obesity in old age.
Older dogs are about twice as likely to be overweight as younger dogs,
probably because of genetic factors and the general slowing down of life.
Also, smaller dogs can run around the house for exercise, but larger dogs
need to be taken out. Because most dogs depend on people to take them out,
it doesn't always get done.
As adult dogs become elderly, a number of factors limit their exercise -
including their physical and physiological condition (and perhaps that of
their owners as well, if the owners are also slowing down a bit). So, lack
of exercise coupled with the same amount of treats as they had when they
were younger can lead to obese pets. Female dogs are more likely to be obese
than male dogs and cats, and spayed animals are more likely to be obese than
reproductively intact ones.
Here's an interesting statistic: Pet owners who are 40 years old and older
are more than twice as likely to have obese dogs as younger owners are. Not
only are the owners getting older and probably less fit, but so are their
pets!
Overweight dog Patrick was given a year to live but, thanks to diet,
exercise and support from the RSPCA's Pets Get Slim website, he's lost 6kg
and is looking forward to a healthier life.
Patrick, a Jack Russell x Corgi, weighed a massive 20kg and was clinically
obese when Dani Halfpenny (16) adopted him a year ago after his elderly
owner could no longer care for him.
Dani, of Cockermouth, Cumbria, said: "Patrick had been eating lots of
treats, and hadn't been getting much exercise. He was so big he could hardly
walk and his stomach dragged on the ground. If he rolled onto his back, he
couldn't get up. When the vet said Patrick only had a year to live, we had
to try and do something about it.
"We carefully weigh out his ration of dog food and he now enjoys two hours
of exercise a day. It's taken a year for Patrick to reach his target weight.
I'm amazed at the change in his body shape, and he has a new lease of life.
"I read about the RSPCA's Pets Get Slim website in a national newspaper and
decided to sign up. The website provided fantastic support and inspiration
to keep the diet going. It's satisfying being able to record your animal's
progress, and I found feedback from other owners invaluable. Patrick was
also twice nominated Slimmer of the Week which helped boost our morale."
The journey isn't yet over as Patrick (9) will need to stick to his new diet
and exercise regime if he's to retain his new svelte figure. It'll be hard
work, but Patrick has already repaid Dani for her efforts by helping her
overcome her fear of dogs.
She said: "I used to be terrified of dogs, but I started taking Patrick for
a walk to try and help get over my fear. I ended up falling in love with
him, giving him a new home*and now hopefully a longer, healthier life!"
The RSPCA is urging owners of overweight animals to put their animals on a
diet and help them live longer, healthier lives. The call comes after a
shocking 65 per cent of animals seen in August last year by vets at the
RSPCA's Pets Get Slim roadshows were deemed overweight.
Pet obesity is not an issue to be taken lightly as it can affect an animal's
quality of life, lead to arthritis and cause internal illnesses like
diabetes, liver disease and heart disease.
Diets can be difficult when a pet is begging for treats with pleading eyes -
but by using the website, pet owners can share their experiences to help
motivate each other. www.petsgetslim.co.uk
Log onto the CAS website - www.casnerja.org to see our own obese dog - Linda
- who is undergoing a similar regime to regain her youthful figure! (page
16 of the Dog Section of the website)
No comments:
Post a Comment