Overweight in dogs - The Body Condition Score
Introduction
Obesity is a growing problem in dogs, which can lead to a number of health problems and affect both the life expectancy and the quality of life of affected animals. The Body Condition Score (BCS) was developed to objectively assess the weight and body condition of dogs.
Table of contents
Definition of obesity in dogs
Obesity in dogs is defined as an excessive accumulation of fatty tissue in the body, resulting in a body weight that is 20% or more above ideal weight. Obesity can be the result of overeating, lack of exercise, genetic factors, or a combination of these factors. Because obesity increases the risk of several health problems, it is crucial to keep an eye on a dog's weight and take steps to reduce or control weight as needed.
The prevalence of obesity in dogs varies by study and region, but in general it is estimated that around 20-40% of dogs in Europe are overweight or obese. A study published in 2012 in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine analysed the prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs in the USA and found that around 34% of dogs were overweight and 5% were obese, so overall 39% of dogs were affected by overweight or obesity. In Europe, the figures vary by country and study.
Meaning of the Body Condition Score in dogs (BCS)
The Body Condition Score is a standardised scale used to objectively assess a dog's body condition and weight. The BCS helps veterinarians and pet owners monitor a dog's nutritional status and make adjustments to diet and exercise if necessary. A healthy weight is important to maintain a dog's overall health and well-being and minimise the risk of weight-related health problems. It is based on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 is severely underweight and 9 is severely overweight. An ideal BCS is between 4 and 5, which means the dog is at an appropriate weight.
The Body Condition Score (BCS) for dogs was originally developed in the 1990s by Dr William E. Feeney, a veterinarian, and Dr Peter J. Scarlett, a veterinary epidemiologist, who were both members of the Nestlé Purina Research Group. The BCS was later adopted and further developed by various organisations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), and is now used worldwide to better assess the body condition of dogs and promote their health.
To determine a dog's BCS, you look at the animal's body characteristics, such as the amount of visible fat, waist and ribs. Here is a brief description of the different points on the scale.
BCS 1: Severely underweight
All bony prominences such as ribs, the spine, lumbar vertebrae and the pelvis are visible and protruding from a distance. No fatty tissue is visible. There are clear signs of muscle loss. The condition is often referred to as cachectic in dogs, a state of extreme weakness and emaciation.
BCS 2: Underweight
The ribs are slightly visible, the waist is very constricted, and there is minimal fatty tissue, but the body fat is not palpable. Muscle wasting is minimal.
BCS 3: Slightly underweight
The ribs are palpable to the touch and visible without pressure. The waist is clearly recognisable with a gastric pit and there is little fatty tissue. The apex of the lumbar vertebrae is visible and the pelvic bone may be protruding.
BCS 4: Ideal weight
The ribs can be felt directly and easily when touched without pressure, but are not visible at rest because there is a minimal layer of fat. When breathing heavily (panting), the ribs are visible. The waist is clearly visible when viewed from above, and the pit of the stomach is also visible.
BCS 5: Ideal weight
The ribs can be felt directly when touched, without excess fat. The rear ribs are still perceptible. Viewed from the side, the pit of the stomach is recognisable, even if a minimal fat pad is noticeable on the abdomen. Viewed from above, the waist is clearly visible.
BCS 6: Slightly overweight
The ribs are not directly visible and rather difficult to feel under a thin layer of fat. The waist is difficult to see from above and there is a slight accumulation of fat on the abdomen. The pit of the stomach is just barely visible.
BCS 7: Overweight
The ribs are difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat. The waist is barely or only barely recognisable from above and there is a clear accumulation of fat on the belly. Fat also accumulates at the base of the tail. The pit of the stomach is barely recognisable.
BCS 8: Heavily overweight
The ribs can only be felt under strong pressure under a thick layer of fat. In general, there are fat pads in the area of the loins and the base of the tail. There is no recognisable waist when viewed from above. There is a large accumulation of fat on the abdomen, making the pit of the stomach unrecognisable.
BCS 9: Adipös
The ribs cannot be felt under a very thick layer of fat on the chest, spine and base of the tail. There are even visible fat pads on the limbs. The waist is not recognisable and there is a massive accumulation of fat on the abdomen, which means that the pit of the stomach is not present but protrudes to the side.
The subtleties are not always so easy to distinguish, especially if your dog has a long coat.
It is important to check your dog's body condition score regularly to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight. Consult your vet if you have any concerns.
Feel your dog regularly and pay attention to the following points:
Ribs can be felt directly when lightly stroked
The pit of the stomach is significantly higher than the rib cage
Viewed from above, your dog has a recognisable waistline
Causes of obesity in dogs
Overeating
Probably the most common cause of obesity in dogs is overfeeding, whether it's incorrect food manufacturer claims or people giving the dog too much food out of pity or other reasons. Excessive caloric intake from too large portions of food or extra snacks and treats is one of the main causes of obesity in dogs (German et al., 2010). An unbalanced diet that is too high in fat and/or carbohydrates can also contribute to weight gain (Kienzle & Bergler, 2006). When feeding your dog food, first follow the manufacturer's instructions. Monitor your dog's weight and figure and as soon as you notice that your dog is gaining weight, either switch to a less fatty food or reduce the amount bit by bit.
The fat content in meat can vary greatly depending on the animal species and meat part, so be sure to check the feed manufacturer's label to see whether the fat content of the feed is rather high or low.
Lack of exercise
An inactive lifestyle can lead to weight gain in dogs, as they do not burn enough energy to compensate for the calories they consume (Courcier et al., 2010). Regular exercise is crucial for weight control and overall health in dogs. A healthy dog should have the opportunity to exercise outside for an hour a day to keep them physically active. In rainy or generally bad weather, it is okay to give the dog less exercise - especially as some dogs become real mimosas in bad weather. Nevertheless, make sure your dog has a balanced lifestyle.
Genetic factors
Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition to obesity, such as the Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund and Beagle (Mao et al., 2013). Short-nosed dog breeds such as the Pug also tend to be very overweight due to their lumbering movement and their breed. The genetic component can influence the metabolic rate, eating behaviour and fat distribution, so if you have a dog at home that tends to be overweight due to its breed, you should pay more attention to its weight.
Hormonal disorders
Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome) can lead to weight gain in dogs (Teng et al., 2017). If a hormonal cause is suspected, a veterinary examination should be carried out. Your vet can then initiate further measures to help your dog lead a healthy lifestyle.
Age and gender
A dog's age and sex can also play a role in obesity. Older dogs tend to be less active and have a slower metabolism, which can increase the risk of obesity (Courcier et al., 2010). Research has shown that female dogs are more likely to be overweight than male dogs (Mao et al., 2013).
Castration and sterilisation
Spayed and neutered dogs have a higher risk of becoming overweight as their metabolic rate decreases and their appetite may increase (Edney & Smith, 1986). To prevent weight gain after spaying or neutering, you should adjust the amount of food your dog eats and make sure he gets enough exercise.
Health consequences of obesity in dogs
Being overweight in dogs can lead to various health problems that can affect their quality of life and shorten their life expectancy. Being overweight is not only unhealthy, but also very dangerous for dogs.
Joint and bone problems
Obesity can lead to joint problems such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, as the extra weight puts stress on the joints and leads to inflammation and pain (Kealy et al., 2000).
Cardiovascular diseases
Obesity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in dogs as the heart has to work harder to support the excess weight, leading to stress on the cardiovascular system (Adams et al., 2017).
Diabetes
Overweight dogs have an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus because their bodies may not produce enough insulin or may not respond effectively to insulin (Nelson et al., 1990).
Breathing difficulties
Obesity can also cause breathing problems, as the extra fatty tissue can narrow the airways and increase the strain on the respiratory system (German et al., 2010). The resulting risk is particularly high in dogs that are short-snouted, as these dogs can sometimes collapse even with normal exercise and slightly warmer outside temperatures.
Reduced life expectancy and quality of life
Obesity can shorten the life expectancy of dogs, as it leads to various health problems that affect the quality of life and reduce the chances of survival of a fat dog (Kealy et al., 2002).
3 tips for preventing and treating obesity in dogs
The prevention and treatment of obesity in dogs usually requires a combination of dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavioural changes. It is always advisable to consult a vet to create an individual plan tailored to your dog's needs and health status.
Tip 1: Nutrition management
Calorie reduction is often the first step in the treatment of obesity. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of normal food or by switching to a specially formulated diet food. Fat is important for dogs, but a low-fat meat such as dog or turkey or white fish (e.g. cod) can be lower in fat and help your dog achieve a healthy weight for the same amount of food. It is important that the diet provides all the necessary nutrients despite the reduced calories.
Choosing the right feed
Choosing the right food is an important aspect of preventing and treating obesity in dogs. Choose a food that provides all the necessary nutrients but helps control calorie intake. Dog Food that are high in protein and low in fat can help promote satiety and support the maintenance of muscle mass during weight loss. Some dog food brands offer special diet foods designed specifically for weight loss. These foods often have a reduced calorie content and are high in fibre to keep the dog full without providing too many calories.
It is also important to check the ingredients list of the food. High quality ingredients, such as lean meat and healthy vegetables, are preferable. Legumes provide your dog with a good source of carbohydrates and yet additional protein. Food that contains a lot of sugar or fillers should be avoided.
Also make sure that treats contain as much meat as possible, e.g. some manufacturers use dextrose water (sugar glaze) to make treats look particularly attractive and shiny.
Control of the feeding quantity
To control the feeding amount, we recommend that you follow the recommended feeding amounts on the packaging of the food and adjust them if necessary. These recommendations are often based on the dog's ideal weight, not its current weight. So if your dog's ideal weight is 25kg, but your dog currently weighs 30kg, then follow the feeding recommendation for 25kg to reach the target weight.
It can also be helpful to divide the daily feeding amount into several small meals per day to control the dog's hunger and reduce begging. Being hungry is frustrating. This is no different for our dogs. Instead of twice a day, you can offer your dog four small portions. We always advise against reducing the amount of food greatly, as this can cause stress in the dog, which has a negative effect on its general well-being. It is better to offer small portions more often rather than a lot at once.
The exact amount of food a dog needs can depend on many factors, including its size, breed, age and activity level. Observe your dog and its figure to adjust its needs.
Fodder cellulose
Dietary cellulose can temporarily help to reduce your dog's weight because it has a satiating effect, but is excreted by the dog, so there is no calorie intake. Dietary cellulose, also known as dietary fibre, plays an important role in a dog's diet. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants and is not digestible by dogs, yet it has several important functions in a dog's diet:
Promotes gut health: Cellulose can help normalise bowel movements and support digestive health, and can help with both constipation and diarrhoea by drawing water into the gut to soften the stool or absorbing excess water to firm the stool (Journal of Animal Science, 1990).
Weight management: Since cellulose contains no calories, it can help increase satiety without adding extra calories to the dog's diet, which can help prevent or treat obesity (Journal of Animal Science, 1991).
Blood sugar control: Fibre, including cellulose, can help control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1988).
It is important to note that although cellulose has health-promoting properties, too much of it can lead to digestive problems, including bloating and diarrhoea. It is therefore important that the intake of fibre in a dog's diet is balanced. As always, you should consult a vet or a pet nutritionist.
Tip 2: Exercise and physical activity
Exercise plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of obesity in dogs. Regular physical activity helps to burn calories, boost metabolism and maintain muscle mass, all of which can contribute to your dog's weight loss.
The type and intensity of exercise can vary from dog to dog, depending on factors such as age, breed, health status and individual preferences. Walks, games such as fetch or hide and seek, swimming or jogging training can all be effective forms of exercise for dogs.
Customised movement
It is important that exercise is adapted to the individual dog. Older dogs or dogs with health problems may need gentler or shorter exercise sessions, while younger or more active dogs may benefit from more intensive or longer training. We recommend that you contact a veterinary physiotherapist if you have any specific concerns. They can show you targeted and individualised exercises for your dog, especially if your dog is overweight or has health problems.
Increasing activity in everyday life
In addition to planned exercise times, there are many ways to increase your dog's physical activity in everyday life. This could include letting the dog climb stairs instead of using the lift, involving the dog during housework or gardening, or rewarding the dog with play and exercise times instead of treats. For example, set a joint step goal and try to stick to it every day.
Tip 3: Collaboration with experts
Working with your vet, a physiotherapist and canine nutritionists is important because each of these experts is a specialist in their field and can help you provide the best possible care for your dog. Blood work and other diagnostic tests help monitor vital processes in the dog's body. Regular health checks are important to monitor the dog's progress and identify any potential health problems early on. During these checks, the vet can assess the dog's body condition score, check its weight and investigate any health problems. If a dog is already suffering from health problems that may be contributing to weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, it is important to treat these. A vet can recommend appropriate treatment and monitor how it affects the dog's weight and overall health.
A nutritionist will be able to create a diet plan for your dog that will keep him satiated for as long as possible with as few calories as possible. In this way, despite a calorie deficit, all nutrients can be filled and the dog does not have to suffer from hunger pangs that have a negative effect on his general behaviour. Finally, you will learn which exercises are particularly effective and gentle for your dog, because overweight dogs in particular should perform movements that are gentle on their joints.
This way you can ensure that your dog's health and well-being are maintained throughout the process.
Vitomalias Fazit
Unfortunately, more and more dogs are struggling with obesity, which is a serious problem because too many kilos can be very damaging to a dog's health. Obesity occurs when dogs consume more food and therefore energy than they can use through exercise and their normal bodily functions. Many things play a role here, for example too much or the wrong food, too little exercise, certain illnesses, age, gender and whether the dog is neutered or not.
To determine whether a dog is overweight, you can use the so-called "body condition score", a simple method in which you look at and touch the dog's body to assess whether it is too thin, just right or too fat.
If you notice that your dog is too fat, you should have a strategy to deal with it. This mainly means that the dog gets an appropriate amount of food that is not too high in calories and that it exercises regularly. In addition, a vet should examine the dog regularly to ensure that it is healthy and losing weight well. Nutritionists and animal physiotherapists can also support you.
Ultimately, prevention of obesity is the best strategy, which requires awareness of the problem, appropriate feeding and exercise, and regular monitoring of your dog's body condition.
How do I recognise if my dog is overweight?
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a method of assessing the dog's body condition. By looking at and feeling the dog, you can judge whether it is too thin, just right or too fat. Your dog should have easily palpable ribs, a recognisable stomach pit and a narrow waist, then it is at an ideal weight.
What risks does obesity harbour for my dog?
Obesity can lead to various health problems such as joint problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and a shortened life expectancy. It is important to control the dog's weight to minimise these risks.
How can I help my dog to lose weight?
A combination of a calorie-controlled diet, regular exercise and, if necessary, medical treatment can help with weight loss. We recommend that you work with vets, nutritionists and animal physiotherapists if your pet is severely overweight.
Which food is best for an overweight dog?
There are special diet foods for overweight dogs that have a reduced calorie content. In general, we recommend choosing low-fat meat or fish such as chicken, turkey or cod.
How much exercise does an overweight dog need?
The amount of exercise required can vary depending on the dog. Do not start jogging or running a lot with overweight dogs, as this has a negative effect on the joints. Increase the workload slowly and steadily by increasing the number of steps on walks.
Can castration or sterilisation lead to weight gain?
Yes, after castration or sterilisation the dog's metabolism can slow down, which can lead to an increased risk of weight gain. An adapted diet and sufficient exercise are therefore particularly important.
How often should I check my dog's weight?
It is advisable to check the weight regularly, ideally every few weeks. For dogs with a short coat, changes are immediately noticeable. For dogs with a long coat, we recommend that you palpate the dog every 1-2 months and classify it according to the Body Condition Score.
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