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Paws & Claws

Jill Bowen has practiced veterinary medicine in England and Texas. She lives in Blacksburg now, and answers local pet owners' questions every week in The Roanoke Times and roanoke.com.

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Q I have a 7-year-old spayed dog that I think is in good condition and the correct weight give or take a pound or two. I was therefore somewhat surprised on a recent visit to the veterinarian for shots to see that she was labeled obese. Should I be worried?

A Obesity is defined as a disease in which the body fat has accumulated to such an extent that the health of the animal may be affected. In the past, obesity was not considered a serious concern, but viewed as a cosmetic issue. Obesity is now recognized as an important contribution to the overall health of an animal. Obesity may predispose pets to a variety of disorders including osteoarthritis, respiratory and cardiac problems, diabetes, bowel and skin problems, an increased anesthetic risk and a reduced life span.

Recent studies show that more than 40 percent of pets are overweight. Obesity occurs when calorie intake exceeds energy output. There are two comparatively rare medical conditions that can predispose to obesity. Less than 1 percent of overweight dogs have either hypothyroid problems or hyperadrenocorticism. The majority of overweight pets are simply overfed and underexercised or have indulgent owners who give a lot of unsuitable treats.

In some cases genetics may play a role, as certain breeds are more likely to develop obesity than others, including Labrador retrievers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, beagles and cocker spaniels. The lifestyle of the dog is also an important factor. Dogs can receive little or no exercise if they have elderly or inactive owners, are home alone all day or live in an apartment, or especially during the winter when long walks are less likely. Neutering can have an effect because most dogs have a tendency to become less active.

Monitor the weight of your neutered dog and adjust the exercise and food intake to ensure no sudden increase in weight. As dogs age, they will carry more weight, but it should not be to excess. As with people, prevention of weight gain is much easier than loosing excess weight. Consult your veterinarian as to the correct weight your dog should be and how best to achieve it.

Q My dogs travel in the back of my pickup truck, and they do just fine. A lady stopped me in Kroger's parking lot and said it was dangerous. Is it?

A It is dangerous to let dogs travel loose in the bed of an open pickup truck. Equally dangerous is to attach them by a leash secured in the bed. Any sudden start, stop or turn can toss your dog into the road. If the impact of hitting the road at high speed does not kill your dog, the oncoming traffic may.

Furthermore, a wreck could be caused as the other cars swerve to avoid the dog. Open truck beds provide no protection from the weather. Snow, sleet, rain and freezing temperatures are obvious dangers, but hot sunny days are just as bad. The sun can heat the metal bed of the truck to a temperature capable of burning a dog's paws. As an open truck bed provides no shade, a dog may suffer heatstroke if left in a parked truck bed for any length of time. Most dogs love the feel of wind blowing past their ears, but this can cause irritation to the eyes, including the hazard of bits of grit getting into the eyes or mouth. Insects also can pose a problem if they get into the nose, eyes or throat.

If it is not possible to allow your dog to travel inside the cab with you, either leave him at home or have a proper dog crate for him to ride in. This will allow some protection from the wind and the weather. Tie the crate down securely to prevent it sliding around or being tossed out.