Pet Weight Management
Obesity has become the most common malnutrition disorder in dogs and cats. Veterinarians are seeing more and more overweight pets each day, and this condition should be recognized as a serious health concern. Carrying extra weight increases your pet's risk for numerous diseases and can significantly shorten their lifespan.
What Causes Obesity in Pets?
When an animal consumes more calories in a 24-hour period than its body requires, the excess calories are converted to fat. Over time, these extra daily calories can add up to pounds and pounds of body fat. Several factors contribute to weight gain:
Physical activity
Age
Genetics
Unintentional overfeeding
Unintentional overfeeding is probably the largest cause of obesity. Leaving food out for your pet to graze throughout the day, feeding table scraps, or giving excessive treats are all recipes for overfeeding.
There are also numerous diseases that can predispose your pet to weight gain. A partial list includes hypothyroidism, adrenal disease (Cushing's Disease), and any condition that causes loss of mobility such as arthritis.
Some medications can stimulate your pet's appetite and/or alter your pet's metabolic rate. It is important to discuss all of your pet's medications and supplements with your veterinarian at each visit.
How Do I Know Whether or Not My Pet Is Overweight?
Your veterinarian will gladly evaluate your pet's weight and body condition during their next physical exam. While there is no "magic number" for each breed to weigh, we can certainly provide you with a target weight range or body condition score for your pet.
To take a quick check of your pet's physique, run your hands gently along their ribcage. You should be able to easily feel your pet's ribs. If you can't, your pet could probably lose a few pounds. If the ribs are very prominent, your pet may be too thin.
Do I Really Need to Be Concerned?
Obesity is a large risk factor for the development of other diseases and disorders. Obesity increases an animal's risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hepatic lipidosis (liver disease).
Obesity also increases the workload on the heart, which can intensify cardiovascular problems. Overweight pets often have shortness of breath and may be easily fatigued by only moderate activity. This decreased exercise tolerance can lead to even less activity and more weight gain.
Unnecessary weight adds stress to joints and can worsen existing musculoskeletal problems, making arthritis more painful and difficult to manage. As a result, the obese pet tends to become even less active, creating a vicious cycle of weight gain and decreased mobility.
Finally, excessive body fat alters the way medications work in the body and makes anesthesia more risky.
How Can Obesity Be Prevented?
As with any health concern, prevention is our goal and should start when your pet is a puppy or kitten. Feeding a balanced food designed for animals in the proper proportions is crucial. Unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian, free-choice feeding is generally not recommended.
Regular exercise or playtime is the second critical element in preventing obesity. Bored indoor cats with continuous access to food tend to overeat. Some dogs will eat whether or not they are actually hungry. Scheduled exercise and interactive play helps burn calories and prevents boredom-related overeating.
Regular physical examinations will allow your veterinarian to determine if your pet is becoming overweight. At each visit, be prepared to tell your veterinarian what food your pet is eating (including the specific brand and variety), how much you are feeding, how often, and what treats or table scraps your pet receives.
How Can I Get My Overweight Pet to Lose Weight?
Weight loss in pets usually requires both a reduction in caloric intake and an increase in physical activity. Sounds easy, right? In reality, establishing and maintaining an effective weight loss program is difficult and requires commitment from the entire family.
Remember, when your pet has a health problem and is overweight, it can become difficult for your veterinarian to accurately diagnose and treat diseases. Obesity adds much risk to the use of medications and anesthesia. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a safe and effective weight loss plan tailored to your pet's specific needs.
Ready to Discuss Your Pet's Weight?
If you have concerns about your pet's weight or body condition, our team can help evaluate and develop a plan. Schedule a wellness exam to get started.
