Obese Doberman on the Road to Recovery: Animals Suffer from Symptoms of Depression, Too

Previous studies have found that obese individuals may also be more likely to be depressed. As it stands, currently 35 percent of American adults are obese according to 2012 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): a number that is expected to climb to 50 percent by 2030.

This link in humans may also be found in animals. For a 70-pound overweight Doberman named Bear, who suffers from high cholesterol and potential depression, Texas rescuers are working to put him on the path to recovery with a healthy diet and exercise-to get him in shape and hopefully, reduce his depression.

Bear was rescued just last week in San Antonio, weighing in at 147 pounds. The average adult Doberman should weigh between 89 and 100 pounds, according to health officials.

Though he is on a regular diet and receiving much more attention than before his rescue, Jennifer Rentfrow, who heads Lone Star Doberman Rescue that took Bear in, said he still seems pretty unhappy.

"He's pretty miserable. He looks sad," said Jennifer Rentfrow, president and founder of the rescue organization, Lone Star Doberman, via the Daily Mail. "He doesn't feel good, maybe a little depressed."

With the help of a veterinarian, Bear is now on a formulated dietary plan for weight loss. Their goal is to get him to 80 pounds. 

"In the beginning, he'll have to go on some very short walks," Rentfrow added, via KSAT. "He's going to have to get conditioned somewhat to really have an exercise program."

Of course, it's more common to underfeed an animal. However, overfeeding can become quite dangerous and even deadly, quite quickly. Too many treats can contribute to a series of health conditions that can increase overall mortality risk.

"There's feeding your animal and there's feeding the food bowl," said Dr. Marilyn Gotbeter, chief veterinarian at ACS, via KSAT.

For now, Bear will remain with rescuers to hopefully get back to a normal weight and a normal life.

For pictures of Bear, click here.