Canine Arthritis Matters

Episode 22 - Why is managing obesity so important and why is it so hard to tackle? - Caroline Taylor


Listen Later

In this episode, Caroline Taylor joins Nicki from CAM to discuss the impact of obesity on osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. They explore how excess weight affects mobility both mechanically—by adding stress to joints—and chemically—by increasing pro-inflammatory mediators that worsen joint disease. Caroline shares data from activity trackers, demonstrating how obesity significantly reduces mobility in dogs with arthritis. The discussion also touches on the challenges of weight loss, why it requires long-term lifestyle changes, and practical strategies to help owners manage their dog’s weight effectively.

Brief Bio

Dr. Caroline Taylor, known as The Slim Pet Vet, is a veterinary surgeon dedicated to canine weight management and helping dogs live longer, healthier lives. With over 55% of dogs overweight, she has made it her mission to tackle the silent obesity pandemic affecting pets. Caroline has developed an online step-by-step weight loss program incorporating the latest research on enrichment, diet, exercise, and behavioral change. She is not affiliated with any dog food company, ensuring unbiased, evidence-based guidance for dog owners.

Key Takeaways

  1. Obesity worsens osteoarthritis: Extra weight puts mechanical strain on joints and releases inflammatory chemicals, accelerating joint damage.
  2. Mobility is significantly reduced: Activity tracker data shows overweight dogs move far less, impacting their overall quality of life.
  3. Weight loss is challenging but essential: It requires a long-term lifestyle change, not a quick fix or crash diet.
  4. A holistic approach works best: Successful weight management combines diet, exercise, enrichment, and habit change.
  5. Owner education is key: Many owners underestimate their dog’s weight problem and need support to implement changes effectively.
  6. Relevent links:

    Find put more about weight - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/weight-management/

    Learn more about CAM: 
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

    Have questions send them to: [email protected]
    Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Canine Arthritis MattersBy Dr. Hannah Capon

    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    2 ratings


    More shows like Canine Arthritis Matters

    View all
    The Martin Lewis Podcast by BBC Radio 5 Live

    The Martin Lewis Podcast

    72 Listeners

    Criminal by Vox Media Podcast Network

    Criminal

    37,243 Listeners

    No Such Thing As A Fish by No Such Thing As A Fish

    No Such Thing As A Fish

    4,827 Listeners

    VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts by Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT and Dr. Garret Pachinger, DACVECC

    VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

    393 Listeners

    The Guilty Feminist by Deborah Frances-White

    The Guilty Feminist

    1,548 Listeners

    The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

    The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

    6,369 Listeners

    The Liz Moody Podcast by Liz Moody

    The Liz Moody Podcast

    2,960 Listeners

    How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

    How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

    1,275 Listeners

    True Crime Conversations by Mamamia Podcasts

    True Crime Conversations

    616 Listeners

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    14,536 Listeners

    Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford by Pushkin Industries

    Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

    5,084 Listeners

    Pup Talk The Podcast by Niki French: award winning dog trainer

    Pup Talk The Podcast

    1 Listeners

    Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

    Huberman Lab

    28,277 Listeners

    ZOE Science & Nutrition by ZOE

    ZOE Science & Nutrition

    1,936 Listeners

    The Rest Is Entertainment by Goalhanger

    The Rest Is Entertainment

    814 Listeners