Did you know obesity is one of the most common problems in companion animals and that recent surveys from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention indicate 60% of dogs and cats are overweight or obese?  Pets are considered overweight if they are 10-20% over their ideal weight and obese if they are 20% or more over their ideal weight.  To put it into perspective, 5 extra pounds on a beagle is equal to 25 extra pounds on the average woman and 4 extra pounds on a Siamese cat is equal to 45 extra pounds on the average woman. 

Just like with humans, carrying extra weight can cause or worsen health problems. The most common obesity-related diseases in canines include osteoarthritis, urinary tract disease, hepatitis, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Large breed dogs that are overweight are also at a much higher risk for rupturing their cranial cruciate ligament (a knee ligament) – a very painful condition that requires surgery to correct.   For cats, you can add asthma, chronic renal disease, hypertension and gallbladder disease to the list.  In addition, obese pets experience fatigue and exercise and heat intolerance, leading to a decreased quality of life.  Keeping your four-legged friend at a healthy weight can add up to 24 months to their lifetime which means more happy years with you!

Helping your four-legged friend slim down to a healthy weight is easier than you think.  Here are five tips to help get you started:

  • Weight loss is mostly about diet. Measure the amount you feed your pet every day and feed meals rather than leaving food out for free choice grazing.  Ask your veterinarian to identify a healthy weight for your pet and the number of calories that should be fed to achieve or maintain that weight.  Find out how many calories per cup are in your pet’s food and measure the appropriate amount for each meal.
  • Watch those treats. Pets love a good snack, but many treats are high in sugars and fats. For dogs, instead of cookie-style treats, give them baby carrots, green beans, small pieces of sweet potato, or strawberries. For cats, try a teaspoon of tuna canned in water, small melon or banana pieces or blueberries.  For a 20-pound dog, a single ounce of cheddar cheese (the size of one domino) has the same number of calories as one and one-half hamburgers for a human, so be mindful of how often you reward your pet with treats.
  • Exercise more. Most dogs enjoy a walk, so take them out for a stroll or jog 30 minutes a day at least 3 to 4 days each week.  When it’s too hot or cold for long walks, create an indoor obstacle course, encourage Fido to go up and down stairs, or play fetch in the basement.  Cats can get their exercise by playing indoor games like chasing a toy or feather for as little as 20 minutes a day. 
  • Get everyone involved. Whether you live with a spouse, partner, roommate or kids, make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of keeping your pet at a healthy weight. It takes only one person to sabotage your pet’s weight loss by feeding too much food or too many treats.
  • Consult with your veterinarian.  If one of our veterinarians recommends your pet lose some weight, we’re here to help.  Our complimentary pet weight management program – Curviest Critters – is available to all of our patients.  Since starting this program in 2011, we’ve helped hundreds of dogs and cats reach and maintain a healthy weight and avoid injuries or diseases related to pet obesity.

For more information about pet obesity and how we can help, please call us at (630) 598-0600.