{"id":13793,"date":"2017-10-30T15:51:43","date_gmt":"2017-10-30T15:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=13793"},"modified":"2022-02-16T19:09:47","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T19:09:47","slug":"fieldfocus-overweight-obesity-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/nutrition\/fieldfocus-overweight-obesity-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Focus on Overweight and Obesity in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Banfield Pet Hospital recently released its 2017 State of Pet Health Report<\/em>, highlighting a widespread trend of overweight pets nationwide. This is the largest report of its kind, capturing medical data from more than 2.5 million dogs cared for by Banfield in 2016.<\/p>\n

According to this year\u2019s report, 1 in 3 pets that visited a Banfield hospital last year was diagnosed as overweight or obese\u2014and in the past 10 years, Banfield witnessed a 158% increase in overweight dogs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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From the Field <\/strong>shares insights from Banfield Pet Hospital<\/strong> veterinary team members. Drawing from the nationwide practice\u2019s extensive research, as well as findings from its electronic veterinary medical records database and more than 8 million annual pet visits, this column is intended to explore topics and spark conversations relevant to veterinary practices that ultimately help create a better world for pets.<\/p>\n

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The top 5 states with the highest prevalence of overweight dogs were Minnesota (41%), Nebraska (39%), Michigan (38%), Idaho (38%), and Nevada (36%). Indiana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington tied for fifth place at 34%. The prevalence estimates for each state are shown in Figure 1<\/strong>. How did your state do?<\/p>\n

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FIGURE 1. 2016 overweight prevalence in dogs.<\/p><\/div>\n

Here are some tips and tricks for talking with your clients about their dog\u2019s weight:<\/p>\n

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  • Prevention is key. <\/strong>Remind owners that regular check-ups and nutritional counseling can help keep their dogs at a healthy weight.<\/li>\n
  • Show, don\u2019t tell. <\/strong>Educate your clients about body condition scoring, and show them how their pet ranks.<\/li>\n
  • Give treats in moderation. <\/strong>Advise clients to take note of how many treats they give their dog per day.\n
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    • Treats should not make up more than 10% of a dog\u2019s daily caloric consumption.<\/li>\n
    • Clients can offer rewards other than food, such as belly rubs or playing with a favorite toy.<\/li>\n
    • If food is given as a reward, clients can substitute low-calorie snacks such as baby carrots for high-calorie treats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n