Overview and Treatments for Obese Dogs and Cats
Can't help but sneak your dog a little table food? An extra treat or two for your cat?
We've all been there. But these "little" treats have the tendency to turn into big problems.
Obesity in pets is now one of the leading medical concerns in the veterinary field . Over half of all dogs and cats classify as obese. The medical problems that are associated with increased weight are costing pet owners hundreds to thousands of extra dollars in vet bills each year.
What Contributes to Pet Obesity?
There are many factors that can cause obesity in your pets. Most people are unaware of what an ideal body type looks like for their breed. It comes as a surprise when the vet comes back and says your dog is overweight. How do you solve a problem if you didn't know it was a problem to begin with? Discussing any questions you might have with your vet is a good place to start.
Owners also tend to overfeed and under-exercise their pets. Your vet can help you identify how much food is appropriate for your pet's specific needs.
Breeds and genetics can predispose pets to become overweight more so than others. Diseases such as arthritis can cause pain and discomfort, making exercise and movement difficult.
Older pets are also more likely to be overweight than their younger counterparts.
One study found a significant link between pet obesity and owner income and age. Low-income owners had higher rates of pet obesity compared to high-income owners. Pets with older owners also showed higher rates of obesity.
How Does Obesity Affect my Pet?
Obese dogs and cats suffer from many co-occurring diseases cause by or exacerbated by their weight. Some of the most reported conditions are:
Osteoarthritis
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Tracheal Collapse
Heart & Respiratory Disease
Kidney & Liver Disease
Cancer
Even if your pet hasn't been diagnosed with any of these conditions, most often all obese dogs and cats have a reduced quality of life.
Treatments for Obese Dogs and Cats
You should always consult with your veterinarian about any health concerns. For obese dogs and cats, losing weight is top priority as long as there are no severe health concerns that take precedence. Just like in humans, most veterinarians recommend prescription weight-loss diets and increased exercise. In younger, healthy dogs increasing walk frequency and distance is the easiest way to give them more exercise and stimulation. Some prescription diets can be expensive, so it's important to discuss any concerns with your vet. Never transition your dog or cat to an extreme or fad diet without consulting a professional first.
For cats specifically, most vets agree that obesity is almost always caused by overfeeding or free feeding dry kibble. It is recommended to do discrete feedings of wet food twice a day. 1/4 cup of dry kibble may be given in a food puzzle or toy at night when cats are most active. Most cats eat when they're bored, so reducing the amount of food left out can help prevent weight gain. It isn't easy to make a cat exercise, so food intake should be the main priority. It is also important to remember cats are obligate carnivores and have difficulty metabolizing carbohydrates and fillers present in most dry kibble.
The second priority is weight maintenance. Again, just like humans, this is where most obese dogs and cats fail. Even if they lost the initial weight, it is common to see your pets regain it back. Keeping with the recommended feeding and exercise goals is key to keeping your pet within a healthy range. This can increase the longevity of your pet, as well as their enjoyment of life.