Supersized Pets

Along with our increasing girth, our pets’ waistlines are also expanding at a rapid pace. Recent studies have concluded at least 25% of our dogs (and cats) are overweight and 5% are obese. Overweight is defined as 10% above their ideal weight and obese is 20% or more above their ideal weight. I work in a veterinary hospital and see overweight and obese pets every day. Some of these pets are so hefty they can barely walk or get up. Even minor movement results in labored breathing, joint pain and stress. Yet their owners are blind to their suffering and in denial about their weight problem.

Slentrol – Doggy Diet Pill?

In January 2007 the FDA approved a diet drug for canines called Slentrol. Slentrol (dirlotapide) is produced by Pfizer, a leading drug manufacturer. The original intent of their drug research was to assess its ability to lower cholesterol in people. But now Slentrol is targeted at dogs considered obese (it is not approved for cats because of potential liver damage) and can only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

Slentrol’s mode of action is known as a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor. Basically, it functions by blocking the production and release of lipoproteins (a substance composed of fats and proteins such as Cholesterol) into the blood stream. However, exactly why Slentrol causes weight loss is not yet fully understood. They believe it results from a reduction in fat absorption, along with a corresponding feeling of being ‘full’. The cost per day for this drug is estimated at $1-2. Canine side effects include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and loss of appetite. For more details on the drug specifics, please refer to the package insert information at Pfizer’s web location.

Lest people get the idea they can benefit from this new drug, Slentrol will carry a warning about the dangerous side effects it can have on humans and clearly indicate it is ‘not for use in humans’. The FDA’s side effects warning for humans include (but are not limited to): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention and pain.

My first concern with this drug is it was originally intended for humans, but research data deemed it unsafe. So how safe can it be for other species? Second, it has an unknown mechanism of action. Meaning, the longer term effects of this drug cannot be determined at this time. Third, the known side effects are very unpleasant in both dogs and humans. In rare cases, there may be a very small number of dogs for which a weight reduction drug may be medically necessary. But why would the rest of us want to use Slentrol on an overweight dog, when the vast majority of dogs can achieve weight reduction by limiting their food intake?

Body Condition Score (BCS)

So how does the typical dog (or cat) owner determine if his or her pet is overweight and what are the potential risks involved in this health issue?

Overweight pets are more prone to spinal and joint injuries, torn tendons and ligaments (Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries are very common), arthritis, heart disease, Diabetes, Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) and many more health issues. Studies have shown overweight pets live an average of 1-2 years less than a pet maintained at an ideal weight.

So how does the average dog or cat person assess an ideal weight for their pet? In recent years a Body Condition Score (BCS) has been developed to determine if a pet is too thin, too heavy or at an ideal weight. The 5-point BCS scale ratings are: very thin, underweight, ideal, overweight and obese. The 9-point scale is: emaciated, very thin, thin, underweight, ideal, overweight, heavy, obese and grossly obese.

An ideal weight is defined as having palpable ribs, with a thin layer of fat. If you run your hands over your dog’s or cat's rib cage you should be able to feel his ribs without pressing down through a fat layer. When your dog or cat is viewed from the side, the widest area should be from the top of the spine (above shoulder area) to the bottom of his chest (right behind his elbow). From the side, his rib cage line should angle up towards his pelvic area, ending in a distinct waist (tucks up under his pelvis). When viewed from above, the widest point should be at the shoulder area and then taper in towards his pelvic area (defining a waist). The base of his tail should have a smooth contour without any fat deposits. For more information, check out these web sites on BCS.

Feline & Canine Body Condition Score Chart - 5 point scale
Understanding Your Dog's Body Condition - 9 point scale

Once you have reviewed the BCS, make an honest assessment of your pet’s weight and physical condition. Then decide to do something about it.

Doggy Weight Watchers

As much as we hate to admit it, the major cause of obesity in our pets is not the result of an underlying disease process or poor genetics. We simply over feed our pets and must accept responsibility for it. Extra food does not equal extra love, especially when it jeopardizes our beloved pet’s health, mobility and life span. You can easily improve your dog’s health since you have total control over how much you feed your dog. As smart as dogs are, they still do not have opposable thumbs to run a can opener.

Your first step in starting a ‘doggy diet’ is to simply reduce the portions you feed your pet !
Here are some guidelines to help get you started.

• First, have your veterinarian do a complete physical exam on your dog. Diseases such as Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s or Addison’s (Hypoadrenocorticism) can cause weight gain in dogs. Your veterinarian may also suggest doing a complete blood profile to insure blood counts and internal organs (liver, kidneys, etc.) are functioning properly. Make sure your dog is healthy before you implement any dietary changes.

• Weigh your dog. Bring him to your vet and ask them for a weight check. Most vets offer this service at no charge and do not require an appointment. Once you start his diet, you can bring him in on a regular schedule to monitor his progress.

• Be realistic in your goals. It took months or years for those extra pounds to appear on Fluffy, so plan on reducing her weight slowly over the next year or more. A slow, steady weight loss will be less stressful for you and your dog ... and more permanent.

• Get an 8 ounce plastic measuring cup to measure exact portions. Coffee mugs, handfuls, bowls and other assorted items vary greatly in portions. So be consistent.

• Have an adult in the family be responsible for feeding Rover his meals. Make sure all family members are aware of your dog’s weight problem and the effect obesity will have on his health and life span. Everyone must agree not to sneak snacks to Rover because ‘they feel bad for him’ or because they ‘love him’. No cheating is allowed.

• Instead of feeding him, encourage family members to spend quality time with Skippy. Take him for a walk, play ball, go for a ride in the car, review some basic training skills, teach him a new trick or give him a good brushing.

• Total up all calories (be honest) your dog has access to on a daily basis including all meals, snacks, counter-surfing, trash-can partying, table scraps, grocery shopping at other pet’s bowls, presents from Grandma and pizza delivery. If you write it down, you will be amazed at how much food you are actually providing for Brandy or Charlie every day.

• Once you know how much your dog is eating daily, reduce the amount by ¼ to start with to avoid drastic changes. Take the total reduced amount and divide it into 2 portions. Feed one morning meal and one evening meal to make sure your dog has a balanced supply of nutrition. If after 2-4 weeks, there is no weight loss, take the original total amount and reduce it by 1/3. For example:
  • If your dog was eating 3 cups (24 ounces) of dry food a day, a ¼ reduction will amount to daily total of 2 ¼ cups (18 ounces). Dividing the amount into 2 meals will equal 1.125 cups (9 ounces) per meal.

  • If your dog was eating 3 cups (24 ounces) of dry food a day, a 1/3 reduction will amount to a daily total of 2 cups (16 ounces). Dividing the amount into 2 meals will equal 1 cup (8 ounces) per meal.

• Do not allow your dog to ‘free feed’. Many people leave their dog’s food out all day, allowing her to snack whenever she feels like it. This is a sure-fire way to pack on extra pounds. And in a multi-pet household this is a recipe for disaster, as one pet could be ‘grocery shopping’ at other bowls and consuming excessive calories.

  Instead, feed a morning and evening meal. Place the food bowl down and leave it there for 15 minutes. When the time is up, pick up the bowl and do not feed your dog until the next meal. If your dog is a grazer, goes on ‘strike’ or is a fussy eater, it won’t be too long before he discovers he must eat when the food is presented. Dogs are not stupid and they will not starve themselves.

• Feed low or no calorie treats. Many dogs enjoy baby carrots, canned pumpkin, string beans or plain rice cakes. If you choose to include these foods in your feeding regimen, include their calories in the daily total, even if it is minimal.

• Insure your dog has access to clean, fresh water daily. Hydration is extremely important for all living creatures.

• Make Fido work for his meals. Dogs were meant to scavenge or hunt for food. So take his meal and hide it in a Kong toy or Buster cube. Scatter the kibble in various places in your house. By making Fido search for his meal, you not only provide him with physical exercise, but with mental stimulation as well.

• Exercise! Get your dog out for several walks a day and it will improve the overall health for both of you. Play ball or Frisbee, or do some scent tracking. Play hide and seek and when your dog finds you, have a rousing game of tug as a reward. Be creative!

  Begin with short walks and play sessions and slowly build up to longer sessions over weeks or months as your dog starts to slim down and his exercise tolerance improves. Do not over exert or stress him at any time.

• Consider the $1-2 a day, you could have spent on a diet drug as an investment. Put the daily $1-2 away in a piggy bank and save up for something you can both enjoy. How about some new dog toys, a leash and collar, an agility or Rally class, or a membership in a safe dog park?