Overweight Dogs

[GreyhoundGirl]

One in four dogs is fat... Just thought I'd make a poll, hopefully prodoggers dogs will be under average for the fat population.

Also which breeds do you think are more likely to be fat... and which breeds do you think would suffer most from being obese?




Jenny is probably considered underweight, because she is technically an unknown mix. (she could be a really really skinny newfie mix! haha!) From my experiences it seems there are a lots of fat labs. Oddly enough, it seems chocolate labs are more likely to be fat then black labs, and yellow labs less likely then black labs.

I think the breed that would suffer most from being obese would probably be either a really long-backed dog like a doxie or corgi, because of the extra stress of their backs... Or a breed that is very heavy to begin with, like a St.bernard, because of the extra weight on their joints, or hip problems, or any common big dog weight problems that would be worsened.

[fairlight]

You forgot ye olde Basset Hound GHG.

[Dax]

I have 2 out of 3 with weight issues.

[fairlight]

But would you consider it age Dax?

[GreyhoundGirl]

Poll is multiple choice for the multi-dog owners btw.

And another, do you guys keep your dogs at a heavier weight in winter? I keep Jenny up to 5 lbs heavier (a lot on a 25 lb dog) in the winter because she has so little insulation from the cold.

Which opens another question, do you think working dogs would be better overwieght or underweight... Like working huskies should have a layer of fat as protection from the cold, but do you think this makes added risks to their health during a sled run?

Agility dogs I can see advantages of being underweight, less stress on the joints landing jumps/ect. Same with flyball...

[southern_girl09]

i have 2/4 overweight and the other 2 are a good weight. Cricket is a doxie and she is 9 years old so i think it was the age and the spay that got her overweight.
Riley is overweight and its because he has allergies and the vets gave him steriods for some reason. He is not altered either.. He is about 2.
Tinkerbelle (Chihuahua)& Little Boy (JRT) are at good weights.

[fairlight]

Originally Posted by GreyhoundGirl

Poor is multiple choice for the multi-dog owners btw.

And another, do you guys keep your dogs at a heavier weight in winter? I keep Jenny up to 5 lbs heavier (a lot on a 25 lb dog) in the winter because she has so little insulation from the cold.

Which opens another question, do you think working dogs would be better overwieght or underweight... Like working huskies should have a layer of fat as protection from the cold, but do you think this makes added risks to their health during a sled run?

Agility dogs I can see advantages of being underweight, less stress on the joints landing jumps/ect. Same with flyball...

I would POSSIBLY keep my dogs heavier in the winter time IF they were outside working dogs that had to stay with cattle, sheep, goats, etc.

[Dax]

Originally Posted by fairlight

But would you consider it age Dax?

Nope

Dax is overweight due to her thyroid problems

Ariel is overweight because she steals the other dog's food in addition to her big bones lol.

Merlin is thin because he is like the energizer bunny. He runs & runs & runs & runs. He isn't all that interested in food if there is a toy around.

[fairlight]

Vanilla is about 5 pounds over weight ( I wish I was! hahaha) but she is not as active as she was as a pup, teenager, or even as an adult dog. She's 14 and a half.

Oso is at a perfect weight for his age and height.

Uma is actually underweight for her breed, but in time the weight will catch up with her.

[fairlight]

Originally Posted by GreyhoundGirl

Poor is multiple choice for the multi-dog owners btw.

And another, do you guys keep your dogs at a heavier weight in winter? I keep Jenny up to 5 lbs heavier (a lot on a 25 lb dog) in the winter because she has so little insulation from the cold.

Which opens another question, do you think working dogs would be better overwieght or underweight... Like working huskies should have a layer of fat as protection from the cold, but do you think this makes added risks to their health during a sled run?

Agility dogs I can see advantages of being underweight, less stress on the joints landing jumps/ect. Same with flyball...

Originally Posted by Dax

Nope

Dax is overweight due to her thyroid problems

Ariel is overweight because she steals the other dog's food in addition to her big bones lol.

Merlin is thin because he is like the energizer bunny. He runs & runs & runs & runs. He isn't all that interested in food if there is a toy around.

So Ariel is your scoffer! ....yep...there may be a good chance she will blow up even more in time.

Fairlight the vet (yeah sure!) recommends a treadmill....now you just have to find the money and the place to put it Dax!