K-9 Obesity

Obesity causes many health problems in our dogs. Not only that, but research suggests that being overweight shortens a dog's lifespan by as much as two years. So, an overweight dog doesn't live as long as a lean animal, and their quality of life is significantly reduced.

Canine obesity is dangerous because it can lead to a great number of health problems. It may also adversely affect an existing health issue. The following diseases and disorders may be caused or worsened by obesity:

• Cardiac disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Orthopedic injuries (such as cruciate ligament rupture or patellar luxation)
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory disorders
• Various forms of cancer

                                                  Determining if your dog is Obese 

A dog who is a healthy weight will have palpable ribs, with some-- but very little-- fat covering them. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily, without having to strain or struggle. If it is difficult to feel your dog's ribs, he is likely overweight. If it is impossible, he is probably obese.

Like the ribs, the spine's visibility and palpability are clear indicators of a pet's health when it comes to weight. While underweight dogs have prominent spines and healthy dogs have spines that feel bony, overweight pets tend to have thick deposits of fat on and around the spine.

A healthy animal shows a visible "abdominal tuck." The area between the ribs and the groin is visibly lean and tucked. Overweight animals have little abdominal tuck and obese dogs might lose the tuck entirely, instead having a distended belly that sags downward.

How to help your overweight dog

Before beginning any weight loss programs, make sure to have your dog thoroughly evaluated by your veterinarian to identify any medical problems that could be causing weight gain.

Start your plan by knowing your dog's ideal weight. Not only can your veterinarian help you do this, but he/she can also screen your pet for certain conditions that can contribute to obesity such as:

• Diabetes
• Cushing’s Disease
• Hypothyroidism

Your veterinarian can also help you to determine how much to feed your dog. a weight loss program should be considered if your dog is overweight. 

Generally, weight loss for dogs is similar to weight loss for people, starting with such things as:

• Portion Control: Be sure to follow the feeding guidelines on your pet foods packaging. Always use a measuring cup to ensure proper measurement. If you feed more than once per day, figure out your pets daily allowance and 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the evening.
• Treats: One of the biggest mistakes pet owners do is offer too many treats. Instead try to offer a healthier option, such as baby carrots, snap green beans, apple wedges, plain rice cakes (with no salt or sugar added). You can also make healthy treats by mixing plain canned pumpkin and non-fat plain yogurt in equal portions and freezing them into bite sized snacks! It is important to remember that even too much of a good thing can be bad, so offer these treats in moderation. Please stay away from grapes, onions, macadamia nuts, and raisins as they can be toxic.
• Exercise: Exercise increases energy and promotes calorie burning, as well as toning muscle. Begin slowly by walking your dog on a leash for 10 minutes a day. Depending on your dogs condition you can increase a little each week until you reach 30 minutes per day. Not only will your dog benefit from this, but so will you!

Remember this is a life change not an easy fix... Your dog will become obese again if you go back to your old feeding and exercise habits. 

What To Do If Your Dog Is Choking!

The other day I was asked what should they do if their pet was choking. I figured this would be a good subject to write about.

Dogs are curious — second only to exploring with their noses, they use their mouths to investigate new and interesting things. Dogs can choke on just about anything that is the size of the opening to the trachea, but the most common offenders are small balls, rawhide and real bones, cellophane, and children’s plastic toys.

A choking dog makes retching motions and will look panicked, often pacing back and forth and pawing at Its mouth. the dogs chest may be heaving but it isn't making any airway noises. If your dog is still breathing go directly to the Vet!

Fortunately, a foreign body in the larynx is not common. Most objects are expelled by the pet itself by forceful coughing

If you think your dog is choking, and unable to breath, Open your dogs mouth, pull out its tongue as far as you can, sweep your fingers from side to side, grasp the object, and remove it.

If the object cannot be easily removed, do not try to get around it with your fingers. This will force it further down the throat. Instead, proceed to the Heimlich Maneuver.


Do Not Remove String Or Thread From Your Pets Throat! It May Have A Needle Or Hook Attached To The Other End!!! Proceed Directly To Your Vets Office Or Emergency Clinic!!!



                              K-9 Heimlich Maneuver

Large Dog Technique 

Do not try to pick up, shake, or swing a large dog; you're more likely to do further damage due to the animal's size. Instead, perform the equivalent of the Heimlich maneuver:


1.  If the dog is standing, put your arms around her belly, joining your hands. Make a fist and     

     push firmly up and forward, just behind the rib cage. Place the dog on his side afterward.

2.  If the dog is lying down, place one hand on the back for support and use the other hand to     

     squeeze the abdomen upwards and forwards.

3.  Check the dog's mouth and remove any objects that may have been dislodges with your        

     fingers.

Note that the object might be quite a way back towards the throat, so you might have to hunt around and hook it out with your finger. 

Credit: Photograph courtesy of Angela Koeller



Small Dog Technique

1.  Kneel behind the dog, with the dog facing away from you.

2.  Put your arms around the dog's waist.

3.  Instead of making a fist, use a few knuckles of one hand and place them just below your 

     dog's last set of ribs on the soft part of the abdomen.

4.  Place your other hand flat on the dog's back to keep him steady.

5.  Give a quick, hard poke with your knuckles.

6.  Press in and up four to five times gently, in a thrusting motion. Do not repeat more than 

     four to five times.

7.  If the dog is lying down, place one hand on the back for support and use the other hand to 

     squeeze the abdomen upwards and forwards.

8.  Check the dog's mouth and remove any objects that may have been dislodged with your 

     fingers.

Note that the object might be quite a way back towards the throat, so you might have to hunt around and hook it out with your finger. 

Credit: Photograph courtesy of Angela Koeller




It is likely objects stuck in the throat have caused damage. Depending on the length of time the dog was without oxygen and the damage to the throat, the dog may require hospitalization for a few days. In some cases, bronchoscopy (whereby a small camera is inserted into the windpipe to visualize and remove the foreign body) may be recommended.



Prevention

The best way to prevent choking is to treat your dog as you would a small child. Although it’s almost impossible to stop them putting things in their mouth, you should always be present and keep an eye on what they’re chewing. Avoid moisture-swollen chew toys or sticks.