Overweight Dogs Are On The Increase - Literally!

Overweight canines are more prone to develop health problems such as diabetes or heart and respiratory trouble.

Additionally, as a result of the excess weight, their joints and bones will be subject to extra pressure, causing pain and joint problems.

Overweight dogs will increasingly find movement uncomfortable.

An overweight canine will be unable to run around or exercise as much, and he may sleep more - thus compounding the problem as he won't be burning the calories he so dearly needs to burn!

Overweight dogs, (fat dogs - let's call a spade a spade!) may find it tiring to play and any form of exercise may tax their energy. Couple this with that fact that they may also be in pain and it makes for a very grumpy dog - so watch out!

An obese dogs quality of life may be considerably diminished and obese pets are more likely to die at a younger age than normal healthy dogs - up to two years sooner than usual!

Depending on who you ask, the ideal adult Cocker Spaniel weight is recommended as being somewhere between 12 and 16 kgs (26.5 and 35 lbs) depending on the sex and age of the dog.

However, you probably won't ever find two dogs the same, so these weights should be used for guidance purposes only.

Learn more about how to determine the correct Cocker Spaniel weight, including how much your puppy should weigh and what can affect your dog's weight.

You could simply weigh your dog on your bathroom scales and monitor his weight - once a month should be enough.

Pick up your dog and weigh yourselves together then deduct your weight from the reading.

That will give you a pretty accurate indication of your dogs' weight.

However, it's not always necessary to weigh your dog to determine if he's overweight.

Simply place your hands on either side of your dog's rib cage; if you can easily feel his ribs, it's good news - he's not overweight!

His ribs shouldn't be too prominent, (if they are, your dog may be underweight - which is just as dangerous for your dog's health as being overweight) nor should there be so much fat around your dog's middle that you can't feel his ribs.

Another way to identify overweight dogs is by simply looking down at the shape of your dog's body when he is standing.

His body should taper at the 'waist' (just below his rib cage); he should have a trim abdomen.

If there is no shaping around the middle, it's likely your dog is overweight.

Overweight dogs may also carry a little extra flesh (fat!) on their shoulders and hips. Check these areas on your dog - if he's overweight, they will feel quite fleshy.

If, after trying the above, you're still not sure whether or not you have an overweight dog, we recommend that you visit your vet and ask for a weight check.

Your veterinary practice may even offer a free weight loss clinic for overweight dogs which your Cocker could attend weekly - a bit like a doggie Weight Watchers!

A realistic weight loss target would be set for your Cocker Spaniel and a good prescription dog food may be recommended to help with his weight reduction, particularly if he's suffering from a medical condition such as diabetes, for example.

Important note: Cocker Spaniels may gain weight for reasons other than overfeeding.

Obesity in dogs, coupled with excess drinking, increased appetite, dry skin, a dull, lifeless coat, stiffness, and lethargy, may be a sign of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend you take your Cocker Spaniel to see his vet who will offer correct diagnosis and treatment.

You love your dog, and it's tempting to show that love through food by offering titbits from your plate at meal times or extra biscuits.

Your dog already knows you love him, but if you continue to feed him with fatty extras, you're in danger of killing your dog with kindness!

To begin tackling the problem of overweight dogs, and before introducing any weight loss programme, we recommend you first control the amount of food available to your pet, as follows:

• Check that you are feeding him the correct recommended daily amount - see the dog food label for details and feeding instructions; you need to be certain that your'e not overfeeding your dog.

  If you feed your pet a complete dog food you can be confident that he's getting all the vitamins and nutrients he needs - he won't need any extras!

• Feeding table scraps creates overweight dogs!

  All table scraps must be stopped as these can be really fattening and can cause your dog to gain considerable weight. Your Cocker Spaniel will come to expect these extras and will begin to beg at mealtimes.

• Stop all dog treats - don't to tempted to give him treats or extra biscuits - he doesn't need them!
• If you're training your dog and rewarding him with food (as opposed to praise or his favourite toy) then you can substitute the usual biscuit treats for small pieces of chopped, skinless, chicken breast (it's very low in fat), small batons of raw carrot, (fat free) or specially manufactured low fat dog treats.
• Alternatively, you could reward your dog with kibble, but don't forget to deduct the amount used from his daily food allocation.
• Do not feed your dog milk - not only is it fattening, but it can also give him diarrhoea.

Your dog will rarely refuse food - it's instinctive, and a throw-back to the wild where a dog was never sure when or where his next meal would be coming from.

That's why it's important that all family members are aware of who is feeding the dog, and who should not.

You may find that by simply cutting the extras from your dog's diet, he begins to lose weight without having to resort to a prescription dog food diet or tailored weight loss programme.

However, as Cocker Spaniels are prone to obesity, particularly in later life when their metabolism begins to slow down, controlling the 'extras' may not be enough for him to lose the amount of weight he needs to and you may need to reduce his food intake to counteract this.

Alternatively, you might like to try a lower protein dog food, such as Trophy Premium Lite, which is a carefully prepared nutritious food which can help your dog lose weight without leaving him hungry!

It's particularly suitable for overweight dogs or for older, less active Cocker Spaniels.

Neutering can create overweight dogs and, if your dog has been castrated, he may gain a few pounds; the same applies to bitches who have been spayed.

It's not the act of sterilizing that causes our pets to put on weight.

Dogs slow down a little after sterilization and many owners aren't aware that their pets no longer need a high energy diet.

Neutered dogs need a maintenance diet (basically, a diet with less fat and protein - resulting in fewer calories) because they no longer burn off as many calories.

Learn more about neutering dogs.

All healthy dogs need plenty of exercise and play to stimulate both body and mind.

If your dog is to stay fit and healthy, he should be exercised twice each day and for at least 40 minutes each time, more if you (and he) can manage it.

However, overweight dogs, particularly those not used to much exercise, should take it easy at first, before gradually increasing walking and play activity.

Overweight dogs that are exercised gently and regularly will soon burn off those excess calories!

It's important, however, that you check with your vet before reducing your dog's food below the manufacturer's recommended daily intake.

As with all dogs, a healthy diet and exercise plan is important and, if you follow the above advice for managing overweight dogs, you can be confident that your pet will lose excess weight quickly and safely and will soon return to a happy, healthy, trim Cocker Spaniel!

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