The Surprising Health Connections Between You and Your Dog

metabolic health wellness Jan 24, 2025

The Dr. Tyna Show Episode 186

Have you ever noticed how much your dog's health mirrors your own?

In this episode, I’m exploring the remarkable parallels between canine and human health, particularly when it comes to obesity and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. By understanding how obesity affects our furry friends, we can gain valuable insights into our own health and well-being.

In this article, you will learn:

  • How canine obesity mirrors human metabolic health issues
  • Key physical indicators to assess obesity in dogs (and yourself)
  • Actionable tips to improve diet and exercise for both dogs and humans

Let’s dive into how keeping your dog healthy can inspire you to prioritize your own health.

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The Human-Dog Health Connection

Dogs and humans share more than just companionship — they share physiological similarities that affect how both species process food and handle metabolic health.

  • Both humans and dogs are predators with forward-set eyes and canines, reflecting similar dietary needs.
  • Dogs have a white sclera in their eyes, enabling communication with humans, which has evolved over thousands of years.
  • Obesity and type 2 diabetes rates in dogs have risen sharply, mirroring the same trends in humans.

So, your dog's health can act as a mirror for your own well-being.

Recognizing Obesity In Dogs (And Ourselves)

Veterinarians use simple, observable indicators to assess a dog's risk of obesity-related conditions like diabetes. These same markers apply to humans.

Physical Indicators Of Canine Obesity

  • Rib Palpation: You should easily feel (but not see) your dog's ribs.
  • Abdominal Tuck: Viewed from the side, your dog's belly should slope upward behind the ribs.
  • Waistline: From above, a visible narrowing at the waist should be present.
  • Fat Pads: Excess fat at the base of the tail or around the chest signals obesity.

Human Parallels

  • Waist Circumference: Over 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is a red flag for metabolic risk.
  • Hidden Fat Accumulation: Fat deposits around the scapula (upper back) and love handles can indicate heart disease risk.

The bottom line: simple visual and physical checks can reveal significant health risks in both dogs and humans.

Diet’s Critical Role In Metabolic Health

Diet is the most significant modifiable factor for preventing obesity and diabetes in both dogs and humans.

Dog Diet Tips

  • Avoid Kibble: Highly processed, grain-based kibble can contribute to weight gain and joint pain.
  • Feed Air-Dried or Raw Diets: There are options for air-dried, nutrient-rich food that support joint and metabolic health.
  • Limit Treats and Snacks: Monitor who is feeding your dog extra snacks (even well-meaning family members).

Human Diet Parallels

  • Cut Ultra-Processed Foods: Cereals and refined grains act like "human kibble," spiking blood sugar and contributing to fat gain.
  • Focus on Whole Foods: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets can improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Mind Portion Sizes: Overeating — even healthy foods, leads to weight gain.

At the end of the day, processed foods harm both canine and human health; whole, nutrient-dense diets are vital.

The Importance Of Regular Exercise

Daily movement is critical for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing diabetes in both species.

Exercise for Dogs

  • Consistent Walks: Dogs need several miles of daily exercise—not just brief backyard play.
  • Indoor Alternatives: Invest in tools like dog treadmills for consistent exercise, especially in poor weather.
  • Interactive Play: Engage in activities that mentally and physically stimulate your dog.

Exercise for Humans

  • Daily Activity: Incorporate regular aerobic exercise (walking, running, cycling) and strength training.
  • Consistency Matters: Just like dogs thrive on routine, consistent workouts support metabolic health.
  • Adapt to Seasons: Find indoor exercise options during colder months to stay active.

Daily exercise is essential for weight management and overall health—for both you and your dog.

Preventing Diabetes In Dogs And Humans

Obesity is the strongest modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Awareness and proactive care are key.

Risk Factors for Dogs

  • Obesity: The number one modifiable risk for diabetes.
  • Age: Middle-aged to older dogs are more susceptible.
  • Spaying/Neutering: Early spaying increases risk, especially in females due to hormonal changes.
  • Chronic Conditions: Diseases like pancreatitis can elevate diabetes risk.

Risk Factors for Humans

  • Obesity and Belly Fat: Central fat accumulation raises diabetes and heart disease risk.
  • Age and Hormonal Changes: Menopause in women and declining testosterone in men increase vulnerability.
  • Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like fatty liver or excessive steroid use can impair insulin sensitivity.

Identifying and managing risk factors early can prevent diabetes in both dogs and humans. Stay on top of your metabolic health and try not to let things get out of hand. 

Start with downloading my free metabolic health assessment tool to evaluate your current situation.

Actionable Steps For Better Health

Improving your dog's health starts with intentional lifestyle choices, and these steps apply to humans too.

For Your Dog

  • Switch to Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Opt for air-dried or raw food over kibble.
  • Increase Daily Exercise: Walks, playtime, or treadmill sessions can help maintain a healthy weight.
  • Monitor Treats: Limit or eliminate processed snacks and human food scraps.

For Yourself

  • Evaluate Your Diet: Reduce processed foods and focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients.
  • Commit to Daily Movement: Incorporate both cardio and strength training exercises.
  • Track Physical Health: Measure waist circumference and assess body composition regularly.

It only takes simple, sustainable changes in diet and exercise that can transform metabolic health for both dogs and humans.

Shared Wellness for Dogs and Humans

Our dogs can teach us powerful lessons about health, diet, and exercise. By recognizing the signs of obesity and metabolic decline in our pets, we gain valuable insight into our own health risks.

Key takeaways:

  • Canine obesity mirrors human metabolic health challenges.
  • Diet and exercise are foundational for preventing obesity and diabetes.
  • Simple physical assessments can reveal much about metabolic health.

Your health and your dog’s health are more connected than you might think.

By taking proactive steps to improve your dog’s health, you naturally support your own well-being, too. 

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog/podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While Dr. Tyna Moore is a licensed doctor, she is not the reader’s or listener’s personal doctor. Individuals should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about treatments, supplements, sauna use, or significant changes to their exercise routine. The benefits of strength training and other exercise interventions can vary among individuals, so personalized advice is essential to avoid potential injury. Professional medical advice should not be disregarded or delayed because of something read or heard in this content.

This blog/podcast may contain affiliate links, meaning Dr. Moore may earn a small commission if purchases are made through these links, at no additional cost to the consumer. Links to Dr. Moore’s courses and supplements are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Statements about supplements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Individual results may vary.

Use of this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Tyna Moore. Readers and listeners are advised to consult a licensed healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

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