Obesity or Weight Problems in Pets
In general, both dogs and cats can regulate how much they consume and are quite active. However, there is a growing trend for modern-day pets to eat more high-fat food and exercise less than their forebears, just like modern man. Just as in people, there is a risk that your dog or cat may become overweight. Obesity is an excessive build-up of body fat that has negative effects.
Are my pets overweight or obese?
Due to how gradually weight gain happens, it is usually challenging for pet owners to identify when their own pet is overweight. You might notice a sudden change in the appearance of your pet when you look back at old pictures or usually, a friend or your veterinarian will bring up the change in your pet.
When you are stroking your dog or cat next, run your hand gently over his backbone and ribs. In a healthy normal dog or cat, you should be able to feel the bones without pressing too hard (if you can see the bones then your dog or cat may be too thin). If you cannot feel the backbone easily then your dog or cat is overweight. The cats in addition tend to have a “baggy tummy” hanging between their back legs. If the weight gain is allowed to continue your dog or cat is at risk of becoming obese and developing obesity-related diseases.
Your pet hardly eats anything – how can it be fat?
Many obese animals do not consume a lot of food. To keep pet fat, few calories are required. If your pet is overweight, it is probably overeating from the activity it was getting at some point. Often, obese pets exercise very little, which means they burn very little energy and need very few calories.
Are fat dogs or cats look healthy?
Pets with obesity are not taken to their veterinarian because they are overweight. It is usually some other disease caused by obesity that urges their owner to make an appointment with the veterinarian. Obesity increases your dog’s risk of developing certain medical illnesses which can lead to skin problems.
While obese cats may be unable to groom themselves effectively, as they cannot reach around their girth, leading to matted coats or skin issues. Obesity can increase your cat’s risk of developing additional diseases like cystitis (waterworks issues), liver issues, and diabetes.
All overweight pets are unhealthy, and the additional weight they are carrying puts undue strain on their joints and cardiovascular systems. Due to this, they may experience difficulties with anesthesia and find exercise to be distressing. They tend to play less, become bored more easily, and sleep more. Therefore, despite their adorable appearance, the health risks and lifestyle adjustments are everything but cute.
How to help your pet lose weight?
There are two ways for weight loss:
- Engage in more physical activity.
- Consume fewer calories or less food that is high in energy.
Obese dogs and cats are often not very active because it is quite hard work for them to run around. Taking your pet for regular walks (even if the weather is not very pleasant) may help. They will play with toys, particularly when they are young. A restricted diet should be combined with increased exercise, and instead of using food as a reward for pet interaction, use your time, attention, and play.
In most cases, reducing dietary intake to two-thirds of what your dog was eating should permit a steady weight loss. Over 3-4 months, weight loss should be gradual. If weight is lost too quickly, it is more likely to be regained at the end of the dieting period.
Restricting what your cat consumes is another proactive measure you can take to assist with weight loss. Some cats may find this challenging if they hunt or visit their neighbors for food.You may have to keep these cats confined to the house (although this restricts exercise and builds frustration) or attach a message to their collar asking other people not to feed them. Alternatively, discuss with your neighbor about fitting a restricted access cat flap (activated by a microchip, infrared, or magnet carried by their cat only).
In ABVC clinic we can help you to design a weight loss plan for your dog or cat that will make sure they continue to eat the protein and nutrients they require to maintain health and muscle strength but cut down on the calories from fats and carbohydrates. You must always measure out the food using kitchen scales to get the right amount. An easy way to start reducing calorie intake in some dogs and cats is to cut out treats and snacks from the diet and offer clean fresh water instead. Cats will also lose weight more quickly and feel fuller if fed a wet diet rather than a dry diet. Very fat cats will take over a year to get back to their ideal size. This is not a failure on your or the cat’s end and is typical. Crash diets are extremely risky for cats since they can result in significant liver illness from rapid weight loss.
How to know if your pet is losing weight?
In the ABVC clinic, we will weigh your pet and determine how much weight it needs to lose. We will also be able to suggest how much food you should be feeding your pet. Once you know your pet’s target weight, it is up to you to ensure that he sticks to the plan your veterinarian has devised. You can take your dog or cat along at regular intervals to be weighed and a nurse or veterinarian will be on hand to answer any questions or give advice.
We have weighing scales so it should be possible for you to arrange a convenient time for you to take your dog along and weigh him/her yourself.
Your pet is not losing weight
Take the diet journal of your pet to your veterinarian. We may ask you to demonstrate how you measure out the dog or cat food and question you in more detail about play routines and treats. We may suggest a change of food depending on what the dog or cat is currently eating. If everything seems to be in order, we will reduce the amount of food you need to feed your dog or cat. Just like us, our pets are individuals and the amount of food they need may differ slightly from the average person. Conversely, we may be concerned if your pet is losing weight too quickly (which can risk liver disease). If this is the case, we may perform a blood test to check for any other diseases or increase the amount of food fed in the ration. If you are finding it impossible to get your pet to lose weight discuss the possibility of a low-calorie diet with your veterinarian. In extreme cases, your pet may need to be admitted to a hospital for a period so his diet can be strictly controlled by your veterinarian.
Your pet has reached the target weight
Once your dog or cat has reached her target weight a celebration is called for. This is not the end of the journey, but rather the start of a new one. Just as in people, it is common for an obese pet to regain all the weight back on if he resumes his old diet.
The ABVC team will advise you on what and how much of a maintenance diet to feed. The diet can be any food you wish, but we need to monitor any change in body weight closely over the first 6 months. You should maintain regular weigh-ins and check-ups, preferably at least twice a year. After losing weight, dogs frequently become so much more active that they need to switch back to a normal diet in order to have adequate energy for their increased level of activity. Regarding cats, you will need to help maintain your cat’s active lifestyle – but often your cat is so happy to regain activity and play, this is not difficult.
Maintaining normal body weight is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. It is not possible to recommend a single diet that will be suitable for all dogs or cats. If you are in any doubt about your pet’s weight, ask your veterinarian in ABVC for advice.
Written by: Dr. Dimitrios Tachos, ABVC Veterinarian
