Obesity
Obesity in pets is on the rise, recent studies in the USA suggest that up to 54% of dogs and cats
are above their ideal bodyweight, or obese. The main causes of obesity in pets are; too many
calories, and not enough exercise. There are some diseases that can also cause obesity, such as
Thyroid disease.
It can sometimes be hard to judge whether your pet’s weight is healthy. Breed weight ranges are
helpful, but there can be a great deal of variation within breeds. The easiest way to determine if
your pet is a healthy weight is to look from above. At an ideal weight your pet should have a
visible ‘waist’ but it should not be so prominent that you can see the sharp bony edges of the hips
or spine. Taking a feel of the ribs can help as well. You should be able to feel them without much
pressure or imagination involved.
Causes of obesity
As with humans, there's tremendous individuality with how different pets store and burn off fat.
There are some common factors than can contribute to weight issues in pets, such as:
Genetics
Some breeds are predisposed to easy weight gain. Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels,
Dachshunds, Beagles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Boxers, Basset Hounds, Cairn Terriers and Labrador
Retrievers are some of the more notorious breeds for becoming too heavy.
Neutering
There are many good reasons to spay and neuter. Fewer pets in animal shelters, less urine
marking, reduced aggression, and reduced risk of many diseases are some of the benefits. One
down side, however, it that lack of hormone typically causes metabolism to slow down leading
to a lower calorie requirement. Many owners continue to feed their spayed or neutered pets like
they did before they were spayed or neutered.
Health conditions
Some medical conditions such as Hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can lead to a slowed
metabolism. Testing for these conditions may be recommended if there are suspicious signs, or
changes to exercise or calorie intake does not appear to be having an effect the dog’s weight.
Over-feeding
The feeding guidelines on your pet’s food is a great place to start, but these recommendations are
meant only as a starting point. Each pet will have different requirements based on their lifestyle
and activity level.
Keeping in mind that when food packages suggest a certain number of cups, they are referring to
an actual measuring cup. This may seem obvious but many owners get in the habit of using
mugs, coffee cups, and other scooping cups that may be more than a cup in measure. If you do
not have a proper measuring cup please ask and we can provide you with one!
Underestimating the power of treats
One of the largest sources of extra calories is dental bones or chews and treats. It seems innocent
enough to give your pets treats throughout the day, but those few treats can quickly add up to a
meals worth of calories. When treats are given the pets food should be reduced to compensate, or
choose a lower calorie option, such as carrots or celery.
Common conditions associated with obesity
Arthritis
When pets carry extra weight, it puts more stress on their joints. The stress on the joints leads to
early onset of joint diseases, such as arthritis or ACL tears. When pets have these health issues, it
decreases their mobility. With decreased mobility, it becomes easier for them to put on more
weight, and then it becomes a continuous spiral. In some cases, weight loss alone can decrease
or eliminate the stress on the joints, and decrease the need for arthritis medication.
Diabetes Mellitus
If your cat is carrying extra body fat, they increase their risk of creating insulin resistance. This
leads to Diabetes Mellitus, (in human terms, Type II diabetes). Managing your cat’s weight will
greatly decreases their risk of developing diabetes.
Fatty Liver
Cats require calories daily, when an obese cat stops eating; their body starts use the fat stores to
provide those missing calories. This fat mobilization can cause a great strain on the liver, by
clogging it with fat. In some cases it becomes severe enough to cause liver failure, which can be
very difficult to treat.
How to help pets lose weight

Choosing a diet made for weight loss, is best, as they are designed to help pets feel full
for a longer period of time after eating. Beware of “lite” diets, as they are meant to
prevent weight gain, not actually help the pet lose weight.

Measured, meal feeding. Taking the time to measure out the food, using a measuring cup,
and setting the food down for a specific amount of time is the best way to control your
pets caloric intake, and lets you know exactly how much your pet is eating. Feeding in
meals can also make it easier to feed multiple pet’s different foods or different amounts
of food.

Commit to regular weigh ins. Know what the goal weight is and how long it should take
to reach it. It is important to make sure that the weight is lost slowly to prevent illness.
Have your pet weighed at your Veterinary clinic, they do not charge for weigh ins and
they can track your pets progress and help you make changes as needed.

Consider interactive toys like treat balls that can extend feedings and encourage exercise.
This works especially well in cats.
Monitor the treats, how many you give and how often. OR you can substitute lower
calorie alternatives like carrots and apple slices.

If you are concerned about your pet’s weight or have any questions feel free to contact us
anytime!