Doggone Etiquette —

Just A Bit Chubby?

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:                           

Your very special person may walk, jog or bicycle a certain number of miles every day (with or without you) or perhaps he or she goes to a gym once or twice a week (definitely without you!). All that exercise is to build body muscle, but more importantly for most people, the reason is to reduce body fat. That’s where you come in. How are you doing in the weight department? Are you getting a little “porky” around the ribs? A little lazy about playing games? A little huffy-puffy when you race around? Not your fault, Rufus. We’ll have a little talk with your people.

A Word to the Dog’s Owners:

It’s true that people today are very conscious of their weight that is, obesity in children, adults and senior citizens, but not always as alert to the same problem in their pets. Some sleek breeds, such as Whippets, Greyhounds and Chihuahuas are built to be slim-and-trim, so even a slight increase in body weight is readily noticeable. Most other breeds – and here I’m thinking of Labs and Goldens, Bulldogs, Spaniels, Beagles, Dachshunds, Corgis, for example – are all too often prone to adding pounds along with years, so the bulges sneak up on you. Then, of course, there are all the mixes of those breeds with the same problem.                               

Spaying and neutering can often add a pound or two to the mid-sized dog’s former weight, but should not be blamed for the dog becoming truly obese. Don’t look for an excuse. Face the facts!                              

The insurgence of overweight pets is to a great extent the obvious result of overfeeding and under-exercising. As little as 50-odd years ago dogs existed mainly on table scraps and spent much of their time in outdoor activities. 

Overfeeding has increased markedly along with the length of those dog food aisles! The choice of dog foods is almost endless, and all are enhanced with flavors to encourage your dog to say, “Yes, please!” to every single one.  Rufus might do better on a formula made especially for his age – puppy, adult or senior – but not necessarily. If food is the only reason for the undesirable weight, then reducing the quantity (drastically, if need be) is the way to go. This can be done as simply as eliminating extra feedings if you feed more than once a day.                           

Eliminate treats, or at least be sure they are “treats.”  Webster’s dictionary refers to a treat as “an unexpected source of joy, delight or amusement.” A treat should be a “good dog” reward, not a cookie popped into dear little Poochkin’s mouth every time she gives you that irresistible come-on look! During diet time, an overweight dog can often be switched successfully to small veggie rewards (no onions*) or small bits of fruit (no grapes*) even if Rufus previously preferred a selection from the “canine cookie” aisle. (*They can be poisonous to dogs.)                            

But here’s the first thing you must do. And it is most important. Ask your vet to check the dog to be certain there is no medical problem in addition to, or actually causing, the unwanted weight. Many over-weight dogs suffer from arthritis, diabetes and other ailments requiring medical treatment, which may be supplemented by specially-formulated dog foods now commercially available. Get any such problem solved before tackling a reduction in food intake on your own.                              

At the risk of repeating myself, and I know we’ve been over it before, the increased activity level in your dog’s day will help take off the blubber, or, better yet, prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Here’s a fun game to increase the action. Instead of throwing a ball for a direct run-and-fetch, bounce it across the yard, so Rufus has something interesting to follow up and down and finally catch.

Until next time – Be good!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award this year.