Beagle Obesity How to Address Emotional Eating in Pets

Beagle

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Beagles make wonderful pets for families and active pet parents, but take note: They need a lot of activities and supervision, as they are prone to following their nose to trouble.

Along with caring for their mental well-being, Beagles need special attention paid to their physical health, too. Their floppy ears make them more prone to ear infections, so pet parents need to clean their Beagles ears regularly. Theyre also prone to obesity, so they need measured meals spaced at regular time intervals (free-feeding is not recommended).

Caring for a Beagle

Beagles are generally considered medium-sized dogs, but they actually come in two sizes: One measuring under 12 inches at the shoulder and a larger size that ranges from 12-15 inches tall at the shoulder. No matter their size, a full-grown Beagles weight can range from 20-30 pounds. Males are usually bigger than females.

Beagles come in several colors, including lemon, red and white, and the more common tricolor of black, brown, and white. Beagles have a smooth, dense double coat and floppy ears, which need to be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. They also have long tails that seem to never stop wagging. As a result of wagging too much, Beagles can suffer from limber tail syndrome, also called swimmers' tail. This is a temporary, acute condition that results in a strain in the muscles used to keep the tail upright, causing a limp and sore tail. Limber tail syndrome usually resolves with a day or two of rest, but it can require pain medication to make your dog comfortable.

Beagle Health Issues

Common Beagle health issues include ear infections, obesity, allergies, cherry eye, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

Ear Infections

Beagles are beloved for their long,floppy ears, but those ears do require some extra care. Because they cover the ear opening completely, there isreduced air flow in the ear canal. This creates a moist, dark environment that allows bacteria and yeast to grow. When the yeast grow in abundance, the result is an ear infection.

Beagles with ear infections will scratch excessively at their ears. Youmight even notice a yeasty smell. To prevent this, regularly clean your dogs ears with a good-quality ear cleanser. Even with regular cleaning, ear infections may still occur. If your Beagle gets an ear infection, your vet may recommend topical and oral medications. If you notice your Beagle scratching at their ears, schedule a vet appointment.

Obesity

Despite being a high-energy breed, obesity is very common among Beagles. Most Beagles have an insatiable appetite along with a very strong sense of smell. If allowed, most will overeat and seek out any food within reach. Pet parents need to measure their Beagles food consumption carefully and keep any temptations out of reach. Your vet can help you figure out how much and how often to feed your Beagle.

It's not uncommon for vets to see Beagles whove eaten something they shouldn't have. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis, and may require surgery to remove ingested food packaging or other materials. Make sure to keep all food other than their own out of their reach.

Allergies

Beagles can be prone to environmental and food allergies and may start to scratch excessively. About 75% of their ear infections are caused by allergies.If your Beagle experiences allergies, there are many treatments your veterinarian can recommend.

Cherry Eye

A prolapsed nictitans gland in the eye, commonly referred to as "cherry eye, is common in Beagles. This condition happens when the tear gland is inflamed, becoming visible in the lower inner corner of the eye. This condition is usually not painful, but it can lead to eye infections. Cherry eye can occur in one or both eyes. Some cases resolve on their own, while others may need surgery.

Epilepsy

Beagles can be more prone to epilepsy, a seizure disorder, than other breeds. This commonly starts from 2-5 years of age and sometimes requires anti-seizure medications to help control.

Seizures last about 30-60 seconds and can range from mild to severe. A mild seizure may include involuntary movements, such as your dogs legs going stiff. Signs of a severe seizure can include:

If you suspect your Beagle had a seizure, call your veterinarian right away.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is common among older Beagles. This condition is a disease of the thyroid gland, which controls metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone, which can cause metabolic changes. Beagles experiencing hypothyroidism may have skin and hair coat changes, such as a coarse and dry coat or hair loss. It can also cause weight gain, even if you arent feeding your Beagle more than usual. It can be easily controlled with daily medications under your vets guidance.

What To Feed a Beagle

Beagles can be prone to obesity. Usually, a good-quality commercial dog food used in accordance with the producers' instructions and regular exercise will keep your Beagle at a healthy weight. However, if your Beagle becomes overweight, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription restricted-calorie diet.

How To Feed a Beagle

Beagles should be fed the amount recommended by the food manufacturer at regular time intervals, usually about two to three times daily to keep their metabolism increased. They should not be allowed to graze all day, to prevent overindulging and obesity.

Some Beagles will eat too quickly, resulting in choking and vomiting undigested food. To help a hungry Beagle slow down (and to keep them entertained), use a slow feeder bowl so they work for their food.

How Much You Should Feed a Beagle

When feeding your Beagle, follow the manufacturers instructions on the food package. Every food has a different caloric value, so its important to follow the guidelines. If you change brands or flavors, don't assume that your Beagle will get the same amount of food in their bowl.

Nutritional Tips for Beagles

Beagles can benefit from foods made for sensitive skin, which are usually high in omega-3 fatty acids and help reduce inflammation. If your veterinarian suspects that your pup has food allergies, they may prescribe a prescription diet to help.

Behavior and Training Tips for Beagles

Beagle Personality and Temperament

Beagles make loving, affectionate pets that are generally good with children and other animals at home. Most Beagle puppies are full of energy, but as they age they tend to slow down and become a bit more lazy, though they still love joining their pet parents for walks, runs, or hikes.

Led by their noses, Beagles are very curiouswhich means they can easily get into trouble and wander away if left unattended. When outside, they always need to be on a leash or inside a fenced-in yard so they dont walk off in search of an interesting scent.

Although they are not considered a very protective or territorial dog, they will definitely bark when confronted with new people and strange noises. Beagles are hounds and are known for their typical loud, long bark and howl.

Beagle Behavior

Many Beagles end up in the vets office because their curiosity and superior sense of smell got them into trouble. Led by their noses, Beagles will unzip backpacks to steal lunches and counter-surf for snacks. Their sense of smell keeps their nose to the ground, and they will follow it to anything that smells curious to them.

Beagle Training

Beagles are smart, but they but can also be stubborn and have a short attention span when it comes to training. Because they are food-motivated, most Beagles train best before mealtime and will do just about anything for treats.

Potty training can be especially difficult with Beagles because of their powerful nosesthey can smell where a part of the house was previously soiled so easily. Repetition, consistency, and positive reinforcement work best to help potty train Beagle puppies.

Leash training may be difficult because they are constantly paying attention to smells on the ground. Using a harness and rewarding them with treats is helpful in leash training.

Fun Activities for Beagles

Beagle Grooming Guide

Coat Care

Beagles have short coats, which makes them easier to groom than, say, a Samoyed.They are, however, moderate shedders, and weekly brushing can help with keeping loose fur from ending up on your floor. Pet parents can give their Beagle a bath every two to four weeks, depending on the dog's activity levels.

Ear Care

Ear cleaning will most likely be the biggest grooming chore with your Beagle. On average, they require ear cleaning once or twice a month.

Beagle FAQs

Is a Beagle a good family dog?

Beagles are good family dogs and usually get along with other pets and with children. They are social pups and like to be with their families.

Are Beagles smart dogs?

Beagles are smart, but their stubborn nature can sometimes make them difficult to train. Use treats and other positive reinforcement methods for success in training.

Are Beagles lazy?

Beagles are active dogs, but like many other breeds, they tend to become lazier as they get older. Dont adopt a Beagle puppy and expect them to be a couch potato.

How did Beagles get their name?

The origin of the word "Beagle" is uncertain, but its suspected to be derived from the French word begueule, which means open throat. This may be a reference to their howling.

Featured Image: iStock/Maria Levkina

WRITTEN BY

Tiffany Paul, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Paul graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She has practiced small animal medicine happily...

Emotional eating and weight regulation: a qualitative study of compensatory behaviors and concerns

Four themes were identified regarding compensatory behaviors used by individuals to compensate for their emotional eating: (1) physical activity as a compensatory behavior, (2) the use of alternative stress reduction and coping strategies, (3) compensatory eating behaviors, and (4) the impact of metabolism.

T1: Physical activity as a compensatory behavior

The vast majority of participants endorsed the use of physical activity to compensate for their emotional eating and regulate their weight. The type and duration of physical activity varied between participants, with some participants engaging in unstructured, moderate exercise (e.g., long walks) and others reporting structured, high intensity exercise (e.g., cardio exercises such as running or interval training). Some participants noted that they engaged in physical activity regardless of the severity and frequency of emotional eating episodes while others described engaging in more physical activity after episodes of emotional eating. Multiple participants reported using exercise for stress relief to avoid emotional eating.

I know that like as long as I get a workout in before noon every day, the rest of my day is going to be great. Its going to be fine, and whatever stress I have, Im not going to go to an extreme. (8).

Some participants also connected their use of physical activity to helping alleviate mental health concerns, both in the presence and absence of their emotional eating.

Even when Im not overeating, exercise just makes me feel like a lot better, physically, but also emotionally and mentally. (4).

T2: The use of alternative stress reduction and coping strategies

Participants cited the use of specific stress reduction techniques and other coping strategies as replacements for the mood enhancing effects of emotional eating. Such techniques included tools derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), like thought records for cognitive restructuring, that participants described learning during therapy for mental health concerns such as anxiety. Participants who had experienced mental health concerns noted that managing these concerns helped them to reduce emotional eating.

Part of the CBT techniques that my counsellor taught me was to pinpoint exactly what triggered my bad mood, and work from there to see whether or not its rational for me to be upset over it, or if Im blowing things out of proportion. (1).

Social support was also mentioned as a coping strategy. Some participants said that engaging socially with others compensated for negative emotions, such as loneliness, that led to emotional eating. Multiple participants discussed talking to friends about things that were bothering them while others reported using their parents as a support system.

It feels like I dont have to just turn to food to feel better, I can turn to friends instead. (7).

T3: Compensatory eating behaviors

Participants described eating behaviors they engaged in after emotionally eating to compensate for their overconsumption. A common theme was the reduction of food intake after emotional eating. Some participants fasted in the days after emotional eating episodes while others simply ate less food in the subsequent days.

If I do have a big weekend of eating, like a big emotional eating session, I will be more careful in what Im eating for the following days. (6).

Many participants also endorsed the desire to engage in healthy eating habits, regardless of their emotional eating, viewing it as a lifestyle choice. However, many also cited healthy eating as motivation to avoid emotional eating. For example, participants described that by starting their day in a healthy way, they were more likely to continue eating healthy (and thus avoid emotional eating) throughout the remainder of the day.

Some participants took their perception of healthy eating to an extreme, engaging in cleanses after prolonged emotional eating. Most, however, simply monitored what they consumed and elected to make healthy, balanced dietary choices. Several participants also endorsed vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, which required them to consume healthier foods.

A big thing that has helped me in changing my diet has been becoming a vegetarian, and now becoming a vegan. I kind of create even more restrictions to my day. (5).

Several participants mentioned that they avoided overeating during emotional eating episodes. In other words, despite consuming unhealthy foods when emotional, many described still trying to stop once they noted that they were full.

I dont tend to overeat that much because I dont want to gain weight. I dont want to be overweight, so Ill overeat to like 5% past my capacity. I wont get to a point where I want to vomit, itll just be a point where Im full. (3).

Some participants noted mindful eating habits; they described intuitively paying attention to their hunger and satiety cues to guide their eating. This body awareness was attributed to a few factors. One participant credited chronic pain with helping her to be aware of what her body needed, while others endorsed feeling in tune with their bodies as helping them maintain a normal weight.

Ive become a little bit better with recognizing what it is my body needs {as a result of chronic pain}, and this awareness helps with my eating. (4).

Avoiding unhealthy trigger foods was another strategy frequently used by participants. Participants endorsed not buying certain foods that they knew they would be likely to consume in response to emotions. Some participants avoided grocery shopping while hungry as to not make unhealthy choices, or even hid food from themselves to avoid consuming it while emotional.

Peanut butter, Nutella, those are my two big ones. So those just dont come into my apartment, and if they do theyre in little individual packages, because its really hard to eat those without noticing. (6).

Notably, most people did not endorse purposefully purging to compensate for overeating. One participant noted that while they did not actively attempt to purge, they would often eat so much during emotional eating episodes that they would inadvertently vomit.

Im often physically sick like 75% of the time {when I engage in emotional eating}. (6).

Finally, participants put forward the idea that avoiding emotional eating behaviors led to feelings of competence and autonomy. In other words, avoiding emotional eating appeared to increase participants self-efficacy that they could continue to disengage from this behavior and engage in healthier behaviors instead. Some participants thus made active attempts to improve their emotional eating habits and become healthier, as well as to attain a more balanced lifestyle.

Ill start, and like, todays going to be different, today Ill have a healthy breakfast, and then once you do and you feel really good about it and youre like hey, this is nice to maintain, and then yeah, I feel like its also just like a meal prep kind of thing of like oh, Ill make this and then Ill have it for lunch today, and lunch tomorrow, and then Ill take this snack to my class. (5).