Health
Obesity can be dangerous for dogs, experts warn — here’s how to help your pudgy pup lose weight
The need to shed unwanted pounds affects not only humans, but also dogs, according to veterinary experts.
Pet obesity rates have been on the rise over the past two decades in the U.S., with 59% of dogs classified as overweight or obese in 2022, according to a report from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
Obesity can shorten a dog’s life expectancy, contribute to pain and increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, renal dysfunction, osteoarthritis and cancer, according to the report.
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So how to help your furry friend battle the bulge?
Fox News Digital spoke with several experts who offered advice for helping your pup shed some pounds.
Pet obesity rates have been on the rise over the past two decades in the U.S., with 59% of dogs classified as overweight or obese in 2022. (iStock)
Dr. Jeffrey Krasnoff, a veterinarian at Brookville Animal Hospital on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital that if your dog is gaining weight, it is important to start by seeing your veterinarian.
“Overweight dogs should be checked for underlying medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing disease (an excess of the hormone cortisol),” Krasnoff said.
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For Linda Fiordiliso — an American Kennel Club (AKC) judge who also shows bulldogs in national competitions and owns a dog grooming business in West Islip, New York — keeping her dogs in shape and healthy is a priority.
“The dog should look toned. I don’t need an Arnold Schwarzenegger, but I need a dog that looks healthy,” she said, noting that this requires monitoring the animal’s diet and exercise.
Even for dogs who aren’t on the competitive circuit, it’s important for them to remain at a healthy weight, the AKC judge told Fox News Digital.
Advice for monitoring intake
Overweight issues in dogs are usually caused by overfeeding, Krasnoff said — noting that pet owners need to be disciplined when it comes to feeding dogs the appropriate food and portions.
“Dogs can’t open refrigerators, so it must be the owners who are giving the food to their beloved dogs.”
“A lot of people give too many treats — and that’s how the dog gains weight, just like a person who eats too many snacks and then sits on the couch all day.”
Krasnoff said he’s had success with certain prescription diet foods — as long as the owner strictly adheres to the diet plan.
To reduce calorie intake, Fiordiliso said she adds frozen peas or string beans to her bulldogs’ food to help them feel fuller with fewer calories.
If your dog is gaining weight, it is important to see your veterinarian, experts agree. (iStock)
There are a variety of tactics to help dogs lose weight — starting with identifying the source of the extra calories, said Lori Asprea, a licensed veterinary technician and assistant professor at Long Island University Post Veterinary Technology School.
“Perhaps the pet is being overfed at meals or is being given too many treats, or kids or other family members might be handing out extra goodies or parts of their dinner,” Asprea told Fox News Digital.
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The next step is to determine the pet’s caloric needs.
“I suggest that anyone interested in weight loss for their pet consult with their veterinarian to help them calculate the furry family member’s caloric needs,” Asprea said. “There is a base formula, but we tailor this based on pet activity, breed, health status and goals.”
For best results, reduce a pet’s daily intake gradually, veterinary experts suggest. “We never want the pet to be underfed or to have behavior and health changes from a drastic reduction in food,” an expert said. (iStock)
In households with multiple people, it can be difficult to keep track of how often the dog is fed.
Asprea recommends coming up with a plan to track what the pet gets daily — the amount of food and treats, including the calorie counts — and then comparing the actual intake with the recommended intake.
“Some of the treats out there have a lot of calories and can really pack on the pounds for our pets,” Jacqueline Geary, a licensed veterinary technician specializing in emergency and critical care on Long Island, told Fox News Digital.
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“Substituting treats with something such as a baby carrot can make a difference,” said Geary, who’s also a faculty instructor at Long Island University Post Veterinary Technology Program in Brookville, New York.
She recommends breaking treats into smaller pieces rather than giving an entire milk bone for one reward.
For best results, veterinary experts suggest reducing daily intake gradually.
“With overweight pets, just like people, we start small and make gradual changes to daily activities.”
“We never want the pet to be underfed or have behavior and health changes from a drastic reduction in food,” Asprea said.
“You can speak with your veterinarian about low-calorie snack options and certain prescription diets that are low-calorie but high in fiber, which allow pets to eat a higher quantity and feel satisfied while reducing calories,” she added.
One expert recommends breaking treats into smaller pieces rather than giving an entire milk bone for one reward. (iStock)
It’s never a good idea to try a human diet trend on your pet, experts emphasized.
For example, animal experts said there is not much research to show that intermittent fasting is effective in dogs.
“It is not a tactic we use, since the studies were fairly inconclusive and more research will be needed to better understand how something like intermittent fasting would affect our pets,” Asprea said.
“For now, we do not recommend fasting your pet unless it is medically necessary.”
Tips for keeping dogs active
Increasing activity levels not only helps pups shed pounds, it also boosts the animal’s mental and physical health, experts agree.
“The time spent being active depends on the pet’s health, age, disposition and breed,” Asprea said.
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“We always say ‘a tired pet is a good pet,’ so it’s important for owners to tune into their individual pets’ needs.”
Each animal, even within the same breed, can be different, she pointed out.
Increasing activity levels not only helps pups shed pounds, it boosts the animal’s mental and physical health, experts agree. (iStock)
“It’s worth taking note of how much they want to engage or if they have destructive behaviors because they are bored,” Asprea said.
Consult with your veterinarian before starting your furry friend on a new exercise regimen, she also said.
“As a general rule, with overweight pets, just like people, we start small and make gradual changes to daily activities so as not to overwhelm or stress them physically,” Asprea told Fox News Digital.
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There are ways to encourage lower-impact activity while being mindful of the extra stress the added pounds put on your dog’s joints.
“In my house, we play hide and seek with dinner,” Asprea said. “I take half the meal of kibbles and hide them all over and give the command to find. This is physically and mentally stimulating, all while getting dinner done.”
It’s never a good idea to try a human diet trend on your pet, veterinary experts emphasized. (iStock)
Fiordiliso suggested increasing the animal’s activity level by going on more walks and playing with a ball to get the dog moving to help burn calories for both the pet and the owner.
If at-home tactics do not seem to work, veterinary experts recommend using other services, such as physical therapy for pets.
There are also veterinarians who specialize in sports medicine and rehabilitation, using special tools like underwater treadmills to help get pets moving safely.
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The secret to a healthier heart may not be a major lifestyle overhaul, but rather a series of small, sustainable daily habits.
New research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that combining modest shifts in daily habits is associated with a significantly reduced risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, stroke and heart failure.
The study, which followed more than 53,000 adults over an eight-year period, highlighted how even the smallest increase in rest can yield clinically meaningful benefits.
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Researchers found that sleeping for just 11 minutes more per night was a key component of a lifestyle shift associated with a 10% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.
Small daily habits like getting just 11 extra minutes of sleep each night can significantly reduce the risk of heart problems. (iStock)
This modest increase in sleep was most effective when paired with an additional 4.5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and eating an extra quarter-cup of vegetables every day.
“We show that combining small changes in a few areas of our lives can have a surprisingly large positive impact on our cardiovascular health,” said lead author Nicholas Koemel, a research fellow at the University of Sydney.
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While every extra minute counts, the study identified an ideal range for maximum heart protection that could slash the risk of heart disease by 57% compared to those with the least healthy habits.
The primary pillar of that profile was achieving eight to nine hours of sleep per night, the study noted.
Getting eight to nine hours of sleep each night, along with consistent healthy habits, can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 57%. (iStock)
This optimal routine also included completing 42 minutes or more of moderate physical activity per day and maintaining a diet high in fish, whole grains, and dairy while remaining low in processed meats and sugary drinks.
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“Making even modest shifts in our daily routines is likely to have cardiovascular benefits as well as create opportunities for further changes in the long run,” Koemel added. “I would encourage people not to overlook the importance of making a small change or two to your daily routine, no matter how small they may seem.”
Researchers utilized wearable devices to track the sleep and movement of participants, providing more accurate data than previous self-reported studies.
This ideal routine also involves a diet rich in fish, whole grains, and dairy while limiting processed meats and sugary drinks. (iStock)
Several limitations were noted for the research.
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The study was observational, meaning it showed a strong link between these small habits and heart health but could not prove that one directly caused the other.
The findings were also based on participants reporting their own dietary habits, which may not always be perfectly accurate.
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The researchers emphasized that studying these behaviors together is more meaningful than looking at them in isolation because sleep, diet and movement are constantly influencing one another in a daily cycle.
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A potentially deadly disease known as “the white plague” has been rising in the U.S. since the pandemic, health officials have warned.
Tuberculosis (TB) gets its nickname from the pale appearance of those affected with the disease.
After a dip in 2020 with the onset of COVID – likely due to underdiagnosis and reduced screenings, according to health experts – cases of TB have increased every year since.
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More than 10,600 cases were confirmed in 2024, which is around three people for every 100,000, per the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This marks the third consecutive annual increase, and the total 2024 case count is the highest annual number since 2013.
After a dip in 2020 with the onset of COVID, cases of tuberculosis have increased every year since. (iStock)
Despite the recent increase, TB rates in the U.S. remain relatively low compared to many parts of the world, as the global average is about 131 cases per 100,000, per the World Health Organization. That’s approximately 40 times higher globally compared to the U.S.
TB is a curable bacterial infection that targets the lungs, but can also infect other organs, according to Johns Hopkins. It is spread through airborne particles released when an infected person coughs, speaks or sneezes.
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Renuga Vivekanandan, M.D., professor at Creighton University School of Medicine and VP and CMO of CHI Health Physician Enterprise Midwest, said the rise in tuberculosis cases in the U.S. is concerning, but noted that it was foreseeable.
“The COVID-19 pandemic effectively disrupted TB surveillance and treatment programs across the country,” the doctor, who is board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases, told Fox News Digital.
TB is a curable bacterial infection that targets the lungs, but can also infect other organs, according to Johns Hopkins. (Getty)
“What we’re seeing now is largely a rebound effect – latent TB infections that went undetected or untreated during the pandemic are now activating.”
Another factor is a return to international travel and increased migration from countries where TB is more prevalent, according to Vivekanandan.
The uptick has also strained healthcare systems. “Local and state public health TB programs became understaffed during the pandemic, and that capacity hasn’t fully recovered,” the doctor said.
Symptoms of disease
While around 25% of people have likely been infected with the TB bacteria, about 5% to 10% will go on to develop active disease, according to health agencies.
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A person with a latent infection has been infected with the tuberculosis bacteria, but the bacteria are inactive in the body. While latent-stage TB is not contagious, it can develop into active disease in 5% to 10% of people.
Only people with active TB disease in the lungs or throat can spread the infection.
While around 25% of people have likely been infected with the TB bacteria, about 5% to 10% will go on to develop active disease. (iStock)
Those who get sick with TB may experience mild symptoms, including coughing, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, weakness, fever and night sweats, per the CDC. In some cases, however, the disease can also affect the kidneys, spine, skin and brain.
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“TB can affect any organ of the body, but it causes disease in the lung in over 80% of cases,” Masae Kawamura, M.D., a former TB control director in San Francisco and a tuberculosis clinician, previously told Fox News Digital. “This is dangerous because it causes cough, the mechanism of airborne spread.”
“TB can affect any organ of the body, but it causes disease in the lung in over 80% of cases.”
In more severe cases, patients may cough up blood, noted Kawamura, who serves on the board of directors of Vital Strategies, a global public health organization.
“Often, there are minimal symptoms for a long time, and people mistake their occasional cough with allergies, smoking or a cold they can’t shake off,” she added.
Risk factors, treatment and prevention
“The good news is that TB is both preventable and treatable,” Vivekanandan said.
“People who are at higher risk – including those born in or traveling frequently to high TB-burden countries, individuals living in crowded conditions, or those who are immunocompromised – should speak with their doctor about TB testing.”
“People who are at higher risk – including those born in or traveling frequently to high TB-burden countries, individuals living in crowded conditions, or those who are immunocompromised – should speak with their doctor about TB testing,” one doctor noted. (iStock)
Other high-risk groups include people who have diabetes, are malnourished, use tobacco and/or drink excess amounts of alcohol. Babies and children are also more vulnerable to the disease.
Doctors typically use a skin or blood test to detect TB infection, followed by imaging or sputum (mucus) testing to confirm active disease, per the CDC.
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The disease is treated with antibiotics that are taken every day for four to six months, the CDC states. Some of the most common include isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol.
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Failure to take the complete course of medications can cause the bacteria to become drug-resistant, which means it does not respond to standard antibiotics. Drug-resistant TB is more difficult and costly to treat and requires longer, more complex medication regimens, according to experts.
If TB goes untreated, it is fatal in about half of its victims.
“Latent TB, which causes no symptoms and is not contagious, can be treated and cured before it ever progresses to active TB, which is infectious,” the doctor pointed out. (iStock)
“Latent TB, which causes no symptoms and is not contagious, can be treated and cured before it ever progresses to active TB, which is infectious,” Vivekanandan said.
“Identifying and treating latent infection is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting both individual patients and the broader community.”
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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening only for populations at increased risk rather than for the general population.
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For women struggling with weight gain after menopause, a new study suggests that adding hormone therapy to a popular obesity drug may lead to greater weight loss.
Postmenopausal women lost about 35% more weight when using menopausal hormone therapy alongside tirzepatide — a GLP-1-based, Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the overweight and obese — compared to those taking the drug alone, according to a Mayo Clinic study.
The findings, published in February in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, highlight a possible new strategy for addressing weight gain after menopause, when hormonal shifts can increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
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“This study provides important insights for developing more effective and personalized strategies for managing cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women,” Dr. Regina Castaneda, the study’s first author, said in a statement.
A new study found that postmenopausal women lost more weight when combining hormone therapy with a GLP-1-based drug. (iStock)
Researchers analyzed 120 postmenopausal women who were overweight or obese who took tirzepatide for at least 12 months, including 40 who also used hormone therapy and 80 who did not.
Hormone therapy is commonly used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, while tirzepatide helps regulate appetite and blood sugar.
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Women in the hormone therapy group lost an average of 19.2% of their body weight, compared to 14.0% in the non-hormone group — about 35% greater relative weight loss — with more women reaching significant weight-loss thresholds, according to the study.
Despite the results, researchers emphasized that the study was observational and cannot prove cause and effect.
Hormonal changes after menopause can increase weight gain and health risks. (iStock)
“Because this was not a randomized trial, we cannot say hormone therapy caused additional weight loss,” said Dr. Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade, an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic and senior author of the study.
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Outside experts agree that the findings must be interpreted cautiously.
“As with all observational studies, we need to interpret this study with a grain of salt,” Dr. Gillian Goddard, a board-certified endocrinologist, told Fox News Digital.
Goddard, who is also an adjunct assistant professor of medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted that the findings show a link but do not prove that hormone therapy, which usually includes estrogen, directly caused the additional weight loss.
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“There may be important differences between the two groups,” she added. “For one thing, the group taking estrogen may be healthier than the groups that didn’t take estrogen. … Healthier people are more likely to eat a healthy diet and exercise in addition to taking tirzepatide. That could lead to more weight loss.”
Tirzepatide, a GLP-1-based drug, may be more effective for weight loss when paired with hormone therapy, according to researchers. (iStock)
Symptom relief from the therapy may have also improved sleep and well-being, making it easier for the group to maintain diet and exercise routines, Hurtado Andrade noted.
Researchers also pointed to a possible biological explanation. Preclinical data suggest estrogen may enhance the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1-based medications like tirzepatide, according to the study.
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Goddard said that theory is plausible but unproven.
Hormone therapy may ease menopause symptoms and help women stay on track with diet and exercise. (iStock)
“The other possibility is that estrogen interacts with tirzepatide in some way that makes it more potent,” she said. “We will need randomized studies to get a better handle on that.”
As for safety, experts say using the two together appears safe for most women. However, hormone therapy is not recommended for all patients, especially those with a history of certain cancers, blood clots or other underlying health risks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Researchers say future randomized trials will aim to confirm the findings and explore whether the combination also improves broader cardiometabolic health outcomes, according to the study.
Experts say more research is needed to confirm whether hormone therapy directly boosts weight loss results with GLP-1 drugs. (iStock)
“If confirmed, this work could speed the development and adoption of new, evidence-based strategies to reduce this risk for millions of postmenopausal women navigating this life stage,” Hurtado Andrade said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study authors for comment.
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