Obesity in Pets

Obesity in Pets

Football tailgates, movie nights and numerous get togethers are in full swing and your pet is there with you every step of the way. Pets are watching us prepare food and snacks and hoping that we’ll share. Pets are family, too. So what’s the harm in sneaking them some pasta or a piece of meat sometimes to show you love them? Unfortunately, obesity in pets is one of the biggest health issues owners face today. On average, 60% of cats and dogs are considered overweight or obese. The first step in treating obesity is recognizing that your pet doesn’t have an ideal body condition.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

A veterinarian’s assessment is based on a BCS or Body Condition Score that ranges from 1-9. The range 1-3 is underweight, 4-5 is an ideal weight, 6-7 is overweight and 8-9 is obese. How can you tell if your pet is overweight? Start with an at home ‘Hand Test’ assessment. Do their ribs feel like your knuckles or stick out like your knuckles? If yes, your pet is most likely underweight. Your pet’s ribs should feel like the back of your hand. You should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure. If their ribs feel like the palm of your hand, your pet is most likely overweight. Still unsure if your pet has an ideal body condition? Reach out to a veterinarian for their recommendations.

I have an overweight pet, so what? Unfortunately obesity poses a severe health risk to our pets. Overweight pets are predisposed to a shorter life expectancy. Health issues such as: arthritis, hypertension, respiratory issues, thyroid deficiency and even certain cancers. An ideal body condition can also save a pet owner money. Most prescription medications (including flea, tick and heartworm preventions) are based on weight and tend to cost more as an animal’s weight increases. Therefore, you might be paying more if your pet needs a higher dose of medication if they fall into a heavier weight range.

What causes obesity in pets?

• Genetics:
  • The following breeds are predisposed to obesity (not an exhaustive list):
    • Labrador Retriever, Pug, Beagle, Boxer, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Dachshund
• Overfeeding:
  • Restrict table/people food. If that isn’t possible, it’s best to limit it to very small amounts. Most human foods are very high in fat and calories compared to regular pet food. Be conscious when feeding your dog from your dinner plate and even when food drops on the floor. Everything you offer to your pet should be taken into account calorie wise.  The extra training treats, dental chews, rawhides, meal toppers and kong peanut butter toys throughout the day all contain a significant amount of calories. These extra treats could be a huge contributor to weight gain.
• Lack of exercise:
  • While owners head back to work and kids head back to school, it’s likely that pets are forced to spend more time at home alone. Busy schedules and being alone for most of the day will likely mean less daily exercise for our pets. We want to ensure, dogs in particular, are still getting their daily walks, playtime, time at the dog park, etc. to help maintain an ideal body weight.

Tips for Weight Loss

If it’s determined that your pet is overweight, there are a couple things that you can do to help start their weight loss journey.

• Take a look at the bag of food you are feeding. Some pet food manufacturers who focus on a profit might adjust their labels to say your pet needs more food compared to other brands. The feeding guidelines on the back of the bag may not meet your specific pet’s needs. Every pet is different. If your pet falls into a certain weight range listed on the back of the bag, it doesn’t always mean they should be fed that much. Especially if you are feeding additional treats throughout the day, that should be supplemented for their daily meal intake. Always consult with your veterinarian for the most accurate recommendations. Some healthy alternative minimal calorie snacks for your pet would include apple slices, baby carrots, frozen green beans, pieces of a banana, blueberries or cheerios.
• Lastly, it’s always important to measure out the dry food at every meal instead of using a mug from your cabinet or just filling the bowl. Use a measuring cup at every meal to ensure your pet is getting the correct amount of food every time. It is also best to feed meals instead of free feeding or leaving food out throughout the day. In other words, free feeding invites your pet to snack throughout the day, which often leads to overeating.

Above all, dramatic weight loss transformations don’t come overnight. Ultimately, it can take weeks and sometimes years to notice a huge improvement, but as long as owners continue to stay consistent with their efforts, a little weight loss goes a long way.