Some of the Risks of Obesity in Dogs Injuries

An overweight dog carries extra weight on their joints and in addition to making it more difficult
for your dog to be active and exercise to stay fit, those extra pounds put them at risk of being
injured with ACL tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears caused by twisting on a hind leg).
Surgery and rehabilitation for an ACL tear is hard on your dog, can be very costly, and frequently the overcompensation on the good knee will cause a tear in the opposite side as well.

Heart Disease

Fat cells clog arteries and valves in dogs, just as they do in humans. As these vital pathways narrow, the heart has to work harder to keep blood and oxygen flowing, leading to an enlargement of that muscle which makes it less efficient. Left unchecked, heart failure becomes imminent.
 

Fatty Liver Disease

Just as in humans, a liver clogged with fat cells is unable to efficiently filter toxins out ofthe blood stream for elimination. Eventually the liver completely fails to function, and death soon follows.

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Skeletal Stress
 

Carrying excess weight puts undue strain on a dog’s bones and joints. The cartilage in the joints wears thin, leading to bones scraping painfully against bone. Dogs suffering from this malady
will move stiffly and slowly, especially after getting up from a nap. Canine Hip Dysplasia, and
Arthritis are two of the most prevalent skeletal stress disorders related to canine obesity.

 

Cancer

Excess body weight may increase different cancer risks through a number of mechanism such as immune system function and inflammation, levels of certain hormones as insulin, estrogen, testosterone, T3 & T4. Factors that regulate cell growth, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1)
 

Canine Diabetes

Canine diabetes is a serious disease that affects your dog’s ability to metabolize sugar.
The pancreas is either unable to produce enough insulin to break down the sugar molecules, or the body is unable to properly use the insulin that is produced. Higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream can feed even the most minor bacterial infections, turning them chronic and life threatening. Studies show that maintaining a healthy weight lessens the effects of diabetes in dogs.

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Treatment for Obesity in Dogs

An appropriate portion size and a food that decreases the daily calorie intake of the dog is essential. At Inside Dog’s Mind Wellness and Weight Loss Program, we feed your dog a diet specific to their needs, in portion sizes that are appropriate for their skeletal structure. We provide low-calorie, high fiber food and treats, and of course, provide a fun routine exercise regimen individually created for you dog that gradually gets them in shape and allows optimal calorie burning. Once your dog has reached his or her healthy weight, we provide a lifetime plan for the family so they can maintain their dog at his or her current healthy weight.
During our program, your dog stays with us Monday through Friday, and comes home on the
weekend. During the weekend we send home pre-measured food portions and specific
instructions so you can keep your dog on their individual plan. The average weight loss program
can range from four to sixteen weeks, depending on how much weight they need to lose.

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