Leaner Pets Live Longer

by Dr. Julie Buzby

courtesy psda.uk.org

Welcome to our All Things Dog Blog series on proactively helping your dog live a longer, healthier life! It's intentional that our first blog post on this topic is about weight management.

Did you know that you can directly influence your dog's life span through caloric intake? It's true.

Leaner animals live longer. In 2001, a fourteen year, landmark study in Labrador Retrievers proved that maintaining dogs' ideal body condition extended their life span by 15 percent, which translated into nearly two years.

In addition to living longer, lean dogs stay healthy longer! Fatty tissue produces inflammatory hormones which cause chronic inflammation. This persistent inflammation can lead to osteoarthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. Additionally, excess weight often results in lethargy, injury, and chronic pain.

One out of every two adult dogs is overweight, as defined by being 15% above ideal weight. What is ideal?

I prefer to consider body condition score, a hands-on assessment of weight based on frame, as opposed to straight body mass. Here's the gold standard:

• Ribs easily palpable, with minimal fat covering
• Tapered waist observed behind the ribs when viewed from above (Your dog should not look like a rectangle or oval.)
• Abdomen tucked up when viewed from the side

The scoring system used by The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is illustrated here.

Studies have also shown that it's never too late for your dog to benefit from a controlled weight loss plan. Consider these tips:

1. Find a way to emotionally connect with your dog that doesn't involve food. (Might I suggest long leash walks?)
2. The amount of food recommended on commercial packaging is generally way too much for our sedentary adult dogs.
3. Actually measure the amount you feed with a real kitchen measuring cup, not a coffee can or ceramic mug.
4. Two 10-minute walks per day don't equate to an active lifestyle. Weight loss requires reducing caloric intake below caloric expenditure. Increase your dog's exercise!
5. I've heard people complain that their dog got fat after being spayed or neutered. The procedure itself didn't result in obesity, but desexing will decrease your dog's metabolism by up to 35%. Feed accordingly.
6. The calories from treats add up quickly. Instead, try green beans, cauliflower, or raw baby carrots.
7. Substitute cooked green beans for a portion of your dog's calorie-dense food. I had two Saluki patients who always had a "salad" before dinner.

As with all of your dog's health needs, consult your veterinarian about your dog's weight. Your veterinarian can scientifically calculate your dog's daily caloric requirement. Pets who are "dieting" should be weighted frequently for monitoring. Most veterinary facilities allow clients to stop in and weigh a pet during office hours without an appointment. Also, most veterinary practices can provide you with a computerized print out graphing your pet's weight history. I recommend hanging this on the refrigerator for motivation.

Your dog can't open the pantry for a midnight snack. You control the destiny of his/her girth. You have the power to dramatically improve both the quantity and quality of your dog's life!

Dr. Julie Buzby is a homeschooling mom of seven, American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and International Veterinary Acupuncture Society certified holistic veterinarian, and passionate advocate for canine mobility. She can be found on Twitter @DrBuzby and on Facebook.com/ToeGrips, as well as in our Ask the Vet Archives at the Pet Solutions menu bar item.

Dr. Julie's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian.

Dog Dieting for Fun and Good Health

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Using the guide above is a  bit more challenging if you have a very fluffy dog. You'll need to use your hands, feeling for that waist in the middle and the hint of a ribcage.

If needed, putting Fido on a calorie-reducing plan does not have to be torture. You just have to think outside the dog food bag. Try a few of our tips on for size, and enjoy the infographics, compliments of Natural Balance.

• Before adding any new activities to your overweight pet's lifestyle, be sure to get him checked over thoroughly by your veterinary professional. 
• Feed your dog using a treat ball. Most kibble fits well in any treat ball, and this activity not only will slow down eating, but also turn it into a game that burns calories--walking!
• When heading out for your daily walks, try something new. Jog for 10-20 seconds intermittently, making sure that neither you nor Fido overdo.
• Your younger dog may enjoy biking with you if he's doing well walking on one side of you. You'll find some great tips and products to help at these links.
• Stuck indoors on a stormy day? Use a laser light to get your dog running up and down the hallway. This is great fun for your pup and you'll get a good laugh as well.
• Is agility in your dog's future? This sport will get both you and Fido into better shape, and have a terrific effect on your bonding. No need to compete; just enjoy the classes.
• Swimming is one of Summer's greatest pleasures for many dogs. The ideal exercise, it protects joints and burns calories, while providing hours of fun. I've linked to some tips for helping your pup adjust to swimming if he's not already a water lover.
• Want to go tech with your walks? Try this iPhone app that's free: Petometer.
• How about the canine fave, FETCH! Learning to play fetch is a sequence of skills that makes your dog think and work, while burning calories and bonding with you all in one easy, daily practice session. Enjoy it for your benefit and your dog's.

While you're picking the topics above that you may wish to include in your pup's weight loss regimen, be sure to take a moment to enter the Natural Balance contest to win 6 months (or more!) of their new formula for weight loss. The prizes include additional goodies that you can learn about here. What are you waiting on?!!

Weight Management Wednesday?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© All Things Dog Blog
Oh Dear! Oh My! Oh Goodness!

Oliver promises he didn't eat those extra treats...the missing ones. But here he is facing the cruel truth on the bathroom scale. He's 8 oz. over his 10 lb. ideal weight. Ugg.


You can bet he'll be giving the Organix Weight Management a try. We'll also add green beans, an extra lap in the pool, and 2 extra laps around the neighborhood each week. That ought to do it before bathing suit season kicks in. 


Oh wait! That already happened here in Florida. Hmmmmm.....I guess I'll have to pull out all the stops and add more biking as well. Oliver loves to bike. Sometimes he even pulls me on the bike, which seems impossible for a 10.5 lb. dog, but this little fella is a trooper. Watch for yourself:

How do you keep your dog's weight under control? Feel free to share any tips you wish below. And before you leave, don't forget to check out our huge giveaway. I'd hate to see you miss an opportunity to win 25 lbs. of Organix. That's almost criminal!

Dog Chow: Ages and Stages of Organix

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© C Boyko
Chow Time Mom?

Castor and Pollux is continuing to spread their wings. Organix now has a puppy version for your wiggly-nosed youngster. And if you've got a couch potato on your hands--one that maybe sports a few too many pounds--check out the weight management formula. 


Tanner and Oliver had me out for our daily walk this morning and I was reminded of this ongoing problem of many dogs when we greeted a Chubby Newfie that could have almost passed as a bear. Sweet as he was, I know those extra pounds are not doing him any favors. Watch your dog's weight, based on a chart of average weights for your dog's breed. Ask your vet for advice on his ideal weight. Or do the at-home test.


Looking down at your dog's back, he should have a noticeable waistline. If not, check his ribcage. Can you feel the individual ribs? No? Time to watch Fido's intake and slow down on the treats. Remember that they have more calories than many dog food brands, so it's important to dole them out carefully.


Today I'm launching a giveaway in a big way. Six winners will get to win TWENTY POUNDS of Organix!  You'll be able to choose from puppy, adult, grain-free or weight management--your choice. This is huge, so tell your friends, put up a sign in your yard, or chat it up on Twitter. I'll help with that in the Rafflecopter entry form below. 

© C Boyko
Permission Please?

Entries will be accepted through midnight, Thursday, March 15. Winners will be announced on Friday evening, March 16. There's one more rule, and this one is hard and fast. In order to win, you absolutely must leave at least 1 comment below, according to the instructions in the Rafflecopter. No comment=no win! Good luck to you all!



Full disclosure: The dog food in this giveaway has been provided as a promotional courtesy by Castor and Pollux Pet. There is no purchase required to enter. This giveaway is limited to the U.S. only and is void wherever prohibited.
Helpful Tip:  If you have trouble viewing the Rafflecopter entry form below, simply refresh this post by clicking on the title, and the Rafflecopter form will appear beneath this line: