Dog on a Diet to Save His Life

“Dog on a Diet to Save His Life”  is a drastic sounding title, isn’t it?  How did I choose this topic for my blog?

Recently, I posted a photo making fun of dieting. It showed a massively obese dog. I do question if it was photoshopped. The shape is so unnnatural appearing. In the meme, created by someone else,

the dog appeared to be distressed when he overheard someone ordering a pizza.

 

He wondered to himself if maybe he should wait until tomorrow to start his diet. The post wasn’t meant to be about the dog, but dieting.

Mixed Reactions to Photo of Obese Dog

While most people found the post to be hilarious, as it was genuinely making fun of humans and their attitude toward dieting, a handful did not.

 

They were upset that anyone would allow an animal to become that obese. Some called it animal abuse and demanded that someone put the dog on a diet.

 

While that would be true if someone knowingly allowed an animal to get into this shape, I do not think that was the case here. Also, there are medical conditions that may lead to massive obesity.

 

So, let’s not be quick to jump to any judgmental conclusions about this, or any, obese dog we happen to see. Now that you have the back story as to why “Dog On A Diet to Save His Life” is posted today, here is an incredible story about a dog on a diet.

 

Introducing Kai and The Idea of Placing a Dog on a Diet to Save His Life

Kai was, at that time, a morbidly obese Golden Retriever. We do not know how Kai came to that condition, only that he was taken to the veterinarian to be “put down” because of it.

 

What a horrifying thought, that an animal could be euthanized for being obese. What does this say about our society? Can you imagine putting down a dog who loved you unconditionally because you did not feed him correctly?

 

It is appalling that such a thing would even be considered. Fortunately for Kai, the veterinarian mediated on the poor dog’s behalf. He was able to convince the former owner to allow them to find a new home for the dog. Misfits of Alberta Animal Rescue was willing to make the effort to give Kai a new lease on life.

 

Introducing Pam Heggie, Super Foster Mom

Pam Heggie had already contacted the rescue organization to become a foster mom. Although she had been forewarned, she was shocked when she first met Kai. Pam couldn’t believe what Kai looked like when she first laid her eyes on him.

 

Neither could the vet. According to Good Morning America, “This is the most overweight animal I have ever seen,” the vet told Pam when discussing the dog’s serious condition. Nothing could have prepared Pam for what she would see when introduced to Kai.

Luckily for Kai, Pam was not easily put off by a challenge. Her love for dogs was greater than her concern over failure.

She was willing to put forth the effort needed to save Kai’s life! This love for him was there before they even met. He did not have to earn it.

 

Just How Obese Was Kai?

When Kai was taken to the veterinarian’s office to be “put down” for obesity, he weighed 173 pounds. Without knowing much more about his previous life, Pam rose to this daunting challenge. The vet shared with her that anything she could do to reduce Kai’s weight would improve his health and life span. So, this dog was on a diet to save his life.

Pam wasn’t sure what, if anything, that she could do to help Kai. Nevertheless, the vet encouraged her. He told her that anything she was able to do would help the dog. 

Pam agreed to take the chance of getting Kai into decent shape. You will not believe what she and Kai were able to accomplish in one year!

 

How Badly De-conditioned was Kai at the Beginning?

To say that it wasn’t easy would be a gross understatement. When Pam and Kai first arrived at his new home, it took him 20 minutes just to make it up the stairs to the front door.

Pam developed a strategic exercise plan and stuck to it faithfully. They took long walks three times a day. She and Kai walked before she left for work, after she got home from work, and again in the evening.

At first, Kai was so de-conditioned that he could only walk a few steps at a time before he had to rest. “Literally, he went five to 10 steps, and then he would lay down and start panting,” Pam shared.

 

In spite of the pitiful condition in which Kai started off, they stuck to their new routine. They hoped it would get easier for Kai with time but were determined to follow through regardless of the difficulty. As hard as it was for Pam to watch, can you imagine how hard this was for Kai?

Although Pam could understand how important this effort was for Kai, he did not have a clue that his very life depended on his success. If Pam had not forced the issue and put the dog on a diet, Kai would never have been able to lose weight and get into better shape.

 

With Pam and Kai’s best effort, he was able to lose 67 pounds in one year. Putting a dog on a diet to save his life worked!  Congratulations, Kai and Pam!!!

Kai Is Not Alone

While according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention 52.7% of American dogs are thought to be clinically overweight or obese, only 5% of dog owners realize their dog is one of them. Until the owners realize that their dog is in need of losing weight, this will not happen.

 

Our furry best friends depend upon us to provide adequate nutrition and exercise to keep them in good health and condition. Obviously, preventing them from becoming overweight or obese is the better choice.

 

However, if they are already in this condition we need to do something about it. Please remember that there could be a medical reason for your dog to be gaining weight. So, if there are any concerns about your dog’s weight or nutritional needs, you need to speak to your vet about this issue.

 

Overweight dogs have a higher risk of injury, illness and disease. It is very important for us to take action if we want them to become healthier. Just losing those extra pounds will make all the difference in the world.

 

Thankfully, helping them doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Basically, cutting back on treats, increasing activity and putting the dog on a diet is all it takes.

First Things First: Is Your Dog Overweight or Obese?

Different breeds of dogs sometimes have very distinct and unique body shapes. However, these two graphics from Dr. Sophia Yin’s website illustrate for most breeds, how normal-weight and overweight dogs look.

Congratulations to those of you whose dogs look like the dog in the first graphic. You are doing a great job of providing proper nutrition and exercise for your dog.

However, if your dog looks more like the next picture below, there is no need to panic. If Kai is any example, it is not too late to make a difference for your dog. You still have the opportunity to help them lose that excess weight.

Here Are Some Ways to Help Your Dog Lose Weight and Become Healthier

 

Know how much your dog weighs and weigh them regularly. Ask your vet what weight they recommend for your dog based on breed, age, sex, health and level of anticipated activity. Keep a cautious watch on your dog’s weight loss as you make changes in their diet or activity level.

If they are pregnant or nursing pups, adjust accordingly. Your weight loss goal should be for your dog to lose about 1% of their body weight per week until they reach their ideal body weight.

Feed a high-quality dog food.

I will not get into the debate over which type of food is best, but you should avoid cheap dog food brands. Most of them contain high fructose syrup and are high in corn or other grains. It is better to choose brands that have a high meat content (with no by-products). We are seeing more dogs with diabetes due to high carbohydrate foods.

 

Dogs are carnivores. They also can become diabetic with very high carbohydrate diets. The Dog Food Advisor is a good resource. It allows you to check and compare different brands of dog food. You should also check with your dog’s veterinarian for suggestions.

 

Understand feeding recommendations.

Every dog is unique. Do not assume that the feeding instructions on the package of your dog’s food apply to them. If you resist giving your dog too many treats and they still gain weight, gradually cut down on the amount of food you are feeding them each day.

 

Just like with humans, as dogs age and slow down, they tend to put on a few pounds. It may become necessary for you have to cut back slightly on the amount of food you give them. Balancing their age, activity level, and calorie intake helps to keep them at a healthy weight.

 

Measure your dog’s food.

Carefully use a measuring cup for each feeding. It is important to know exactly how much food your dog eats at each meal. You can then make gradual adjustments as needed.

 

Control your dog’s hunger.

Just like a dieting human, your overweight dog might be a little hungry when you are reducing their calories. If your feeding pattern has been to feed once a day, you may wish to offer two or three smaller feedings throughout the day.

Some people choose to set aside a small portion of their dog’s daily food ration for later in the evening. This is a good time for using a treat-dispensing toy.

Canned pumpkin and green beans are low-calorie fillers for dieting dogs. Be sure to check out other potential foods for safety in canines before offering them. Some foods can be fatal for dogs.

https://happymutt.org/why-you-should-keep-grapes-away-from-your-dog/

 

 Have your dog work for food.

Food dispensing balls, puzzles, and playing games like Find It are good ways for an overweight dog to burn off both excess energy and calories. Dogs usually learn how puzzles or balls work quickly. They also appear to enjoy the challenge. If not, they can still earn treats by doing other activities or tricks.

Drago, or “Big D” as I call him, loves the toys made for larger breeds.  None of the others  have the durability required to be safe and enjoyable for a dog his size.

 

Give smaller treats and space them out a little bit.

Have you ever noticed how dogs usually swallow their treats whole? It is not likely that dogs care, or even notice, how large or small a treat might be.

 

Small, low-calorie training treats are just as acceptable to them as a larger, high-calorie treat would be. You can simply break bigger treats into small ones. Remember, treats should make up 10% or less of the dog’s total calorie intake.

 

Try healthier treats.

Many, if not most, dog treats found in pet stores are high in both calories and carbohydrates. It is very likely that you have healthier options in your kitchen right now. People often think first of giving their dog cheese, hot dogs, and peanut butter. These are not your best choices.

 

Most dogs like fresh fruits or vegetables. Some healthy options are celery, baby carrots, green beans, broccoli, cucumber slices and apple slices.

Be familiar with the foods you shouldn’t feed your dog. Be careful feeding any human foods.

 

Use different rewards.

Although food motivates a dog pretty well, most dogs would be just as happy with a good belly rub for a reward. Try not to always rely on a food-based reward.

Increase exercise.

It does not take a huge increase in exercise to make a big difference in your dog’s health. It is acceptable to either extend your dog’s daily walk just a bit or include more playtime in your dog’s day. You need to make gradual changes in his exercise level. Be careful to avoid overworking your dog. The level of activity is especially important if he is out of shape or very overweight.

Watch for saboteurs, both human and canine

All family members need to cooperate with your efforts to improve your dog’s health. If any member of the family is sneaking unauthorized food to the dog, you will be much less successful. Remember, all those little bites add up to a lot of calories/carbohydrates and, ultimately, pounds.

 

They may be seeking food from other sources. Some dogs help themselves to the cat’s food bowl, or even a neighbor dog’s food.

Avoid dinnertime dilemmas.

When a dog is a beggar, it’s hard to resist those pleading eyes. They act as though they are at risk of starving to death if they don’t get some of your dinner. Some begging dogs lie down quietly when you tell them to do so. They are mannerly and polite about their begging.

However, some have a real issue with aggressive begging, If they are aggressive beggars, have them stay in another room until you are finished with your meal. Another bad habit is giving your dog a lot of leftovers to avoid having the food to go to waste. Your dog’s health can be at risk if this is your way of dealing with leftover food at mealtimes.

 

 Would you ever need to put your dog on a diet to save his life?

Why do you think that so many of our dogs are over-weight. Does “the look” make us feel guilty if we do not share our human food with them? Feel free to share your comments on this topic.