Diet Might Not Fix Your Fat Dog

We’ve talked a few times on this blog about overweight pets and the associated diet considerations. For some of you with ‘round dogs’ over-feeding is not the problem–your pet may actually have a hormone imbalance which contributes to them being pot-bellied or obese. If a hormone imbalance is your pet’s problem, diet changes will have minimal impact on your dog’s physique. Here are two of the more common hormone conditions that middle aged to older dogs can get which can make them look fat.

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease)
This hormone disease comes in multiple forms, however, the most common form of the disease is caused by an area of the brain stimulating the adrenal glands to produce too much cortical (stress hormone). The excessive cortisol in the body can cause muscle loss as well as other changes in the body such as: increased thirst, increased urination, hair loss along the back, lethargy and acne on their skin. If your dog has one or more of these signs you may want to consult with your veterinarian. If they are suspicious of this disease they will probably want to start some blood work to evaluate your pet further.

Hypothyroidism
This hormone imbalance can actually look very similar to Cushings disease. Middle-aged to older dogs can get Hypothyroidism which is where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. The low thyroid hormone levels affect most cells throughout the body resulting in a decreased metabolism or an overall slowing down in their normal activity. This slow-down results in clinical signs such as: weight gain, lethargy, thin hair along the back, overall dull coat, loss of hair on the tip of the tail ‘rat tail’ and intolerance of cold. Some dogs will even actively seek out heat sources. This condition can also be evaluated at your veterinarians office with routine blood work.

Thankfully both of these conditions are treatable, but they will require a visit to your veterinarians’ office.

–Dr. Hamilton
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Dr. Hamilton is an oncology resident at Michigan State’s Animal Cancer Care Clinic and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.



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