National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 13!
According to a 2018 clinical survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 59.5% of cats and 55.8% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese. That equals an estimated 56 million cats and 50 million dogs in the US alone. Chonky cats and pudgy pups are cute but the extra weight can cause problems!
Overweight pets require more veterinary care as they are more likely to develop diseases such as skin infections, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, orthopedic disorders, some cancers, and more.
Obese pets often don’t feel good. Obese pets are often seen as lazy or not playful, but this can be due to underlying joint pain, muscle fatigue, and exercise intolerance from their excess weight. Exercise intolerance in dogs looks like reluctance to jump or run, lagging on walks, or heavy panting even during light activity. Exercise intolerance in cats is often seen as poor grooming habits, urinating/defecating outside of the litterbox, or refusing to jump on furniture or play with toys.
Obese pets do not live as long with their life expectancy being decreased by up to two and half years when compared to normal weight pets.
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
Talk to your veterinarian! A veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s ideal weight and help you formulate a weight loss and diet plan if necessary. You can easily feel and count (but not see!) the ribs of dogs and cats at their ideal weight, and when you look down on them from above they should have an “hourglass” figure. If neither of these are true for your pet, they may be overweight. The body condition score (BCS) chart below can help you determine if your pet is their ideal weight.
How can I help my pet lose weight?
Weight loss happens as a combination of good nutrition and structured exercise.
Feed an appropriate diet! There are many diets on the market and some may not be right for your pet’s breed, activity level, age, and lifestyle. A balanced home cooked diet is always a healthy option for your pet.
Measure your pet’s food. If you are feeding an over-the-counter diet start by feeding the recommended amount on the bag and/or can. If you feed kibble, you can save a portion (1/4 of their daily recommended amount) to give out as treats over the day.
Do not leave food available all the time. Just like people, pets will often snack when bored even if they’re not hungry! Feed 2-3 meals at set times every day and put away any leftover food that is not eaten after 30 minutes.
Give treats in moderation. Treats are often high calorie so even feeding a few treats can really affect weight. Low calorie treat options for dogs include celery, green beans, bell peppers, and frozen ice cubes made of low sodium chicken or beef stock. For cats and dogs, you can use a small portion of kibble saved from their regular meals as treats.
Exercise with your pet. Mental and physical stimulation will keep your pet happier and healthier. The general recommendation is that dogs need at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day and cats should strive for three 5-minute intense play periods. Structured play includes activities like chasing a frisbee for dogs or using a pet safe laser point for cats. Dogs should have a minimum of two walks a day. You can also encourage exercise in cats and dogs by hiding kibble or treats (in moderation!) around the house and encouraging your pet to “hunt” for their food.
