Overcoming Obesity in Small Dogs

Because of their little and darling, or small and scrappy, stature small dogs are experts at inspiring the most coddling. They can especially excel at eliciting more treats out of their pet parents. This means that parents have to be on their because small and miniature dogs are just as likely to be overweight or obese as their larger-breed counterparts.

With weight issues tipping the scales as one of the world's biggest pet problems, and one that's continually growing, it's no wonder that vets are getting nervous. After all, canine obesity is a major contributing factor in dog health problems such as:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Pancreatitis
• Breathing problems
• Shortened life expectancy

Since some small breeds are already prone to respiratory concerns (especially those with shorter noses, such as Pugs), even a little bit of excessive weight can be cause for concern.

Such serious health risks make it clear that we should help our four-legged friends keep at a healthy weight, but what causes little dogs to gain weight in the first place?

Blame the Breed?

Some small dog breeds are well-known for their propensity to pack on the pounds:

• Cairn Terriers
• Dachshunds
• Scottish Terriers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Cocker Spaniels

If you have a small dog that's prone to big weight gain due to breed, neutering status, begging ability or other factors, you'll have to be extra-diligent in avoiding excess baggage.

He is What He Eats

If your dog eats meals that are high in calories, he's likely to start looking a tad hefty after a while, unless he's a real fitness fanatic. Unfortunately, sporting that chubby look can seriously impact his long-term health. For most little dogs, combining a calorie-controlled kibble or canned food with regular exercise is a good way to keep fit and healthy.

Portion Control

Portion control can be a big problem when it comes to feeding little dogs. To avoid problems, it might be helpful to measure out a daily food and snack amount into a separate container, and then feed your dog only what's in the container and nothing more. You might also find that calorie counting is worth the extra effort, especially if you already do it for yourself.

Whatever your method, controlling the portion of your dog's daily ration is important in making sure he is getting just the optimal amount. Start with the suggested amount listed on the label of your dog's food, and adjust as needed from there. Your vet is also an excellent reference when deciding how much to feed your pooch.

What About Snacks?

Pets (and people) gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn. Portion control is key to avoiding weight gain when it comes to a pooch's main meals, but we can't forget about the snack-factor. Small dogs simply need smaller snacks. Find treats for small dogs with low calories, or break larger treats into smaller pieces to satisfy your small friend without piling on the calories.

Labels Will Tell

Carefully checking the labels on your dog's food and treats will help you fight excessive weight gain. There you will find a full set of instructions for proper feeding amounts. Make sure to feed for your dog's ideal weight, not his current poundage. Remember that everything your dog eats, including treats, factor into his daily calorie intake -- which ultimately affects his waistline.

What's a Body Condition Score?

Body Condition Score, or BCS, is the ratio of lean to fat (or adipose) body mass. Lean body mass is the weight of your dog's bones, muscles, etc. Fat body mass, or adipose tissue, is simply that -- the fat. The higher the BCS, the more weight your dog will need to lose, with the ideal BCS at 3 out of 5. If your dog's BCS is more than 3, you should ask your vet for a healthy weight-loss plan. Here is a handy diagram to monitor your dog's BCS at home:

Tips for workout success

• Start slow: Aim for manageable goals; slow and steady weight loss is the aim here. He'll need to take it slow at the beginning to avoid over-exerting himself. Work with your vet to determine a healthy ideal weight and exercise plan for your little one. It may take months for your pooch to get rid of his excess weight so don't get discouraged!
• Think outside the box: Or just get outside! One bonus of helping your pet lose weight is the fun new activities you can try together. Maybe take up swimming at your local lake for low-impact exercise that will be easy on your dog's joints, as well as yours! If it's cold out, supervise your small dog carefully while letting him doggie-paddle to his heart's content in a cool (not cold) bath.
• Pick something you both like: Not a runner? Never fear! You don't need to put yourself through a rigorous running regimen just to slim down your dog. Throwing a ball around, going for a long stroll, or navigating an agility course are all great alternatives to going for a jog. Your little companion will love doing whatever you do.
• Resist those eyes!: When your sweet little pup is gazing up at you, pleading for you to drop that tasty tidbit into his waiting jaws, be strong! Less calories in means less excess weight, and calorie-rich human food is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to canine weight gain. Although it may feel like a testament to your culinary prowess, he'll be better off without.

Your pup will look to you to help him lose weight, so it is important to be consistent. This includes making sure that all family and friends that spend time with your dog are on board. That means keeping your children from letting your dog lick their plates clean. He may seem more tired at the beginning, but that is to be expected. Slowly as he starts to lose weight he will start to gain his energy back and he will thank you for making healthier.