Pet Obesity Prevention Tips | Alford Avenue Vet Hospital

With a recent veterinary research study showing that 61% of cats and 59% of dogs are overweight and/or clinically obese, it’s no wonder why pet owners are seeking out pet obesity prevention tips at increased rates.

However, in tandem with these shocking numbers, the research study also found that many pet owners were simply not aware that their pet was overweight or obese. Only 28% of cat owners and 17% of dog owners understood that their pets’ body condition was officially overweight or obese. (Source: The Association for Pet Obesity)

As a result, there’s a widespread problem with health issues stemming from overweight pets. The good news is that pet obesity is preventable. For those pets who already are carrying too much weight, there are healthy pet weight management strategies that can help reduce a pet’s weight down to healthy levels over time.

Pet Obesity Prevention Tips for Dogs & Cats: How To Tell If A Pet Is Overweight

There are 3 key ways to determine if your dog or cat is overweight. On a general level, you should be able to feel your dog’s or cat’s ribs by pressing gently against their ribs without pressing too hard. A healthy pet will have a light fat covering under the skin; an obese pet will have a much thicker layer of fat. Pet owners also can do a visual check from the back of the pet. Look for a waistline that tapers to a slimmer profile from front to back. Other signs of pet obesity or too much weight include reduced energy, excessive panting, and an unwillingness to exercise, go for walks, chase a ball, etc.

Here are some instructions on how to assess your pet’s weight:

How To Perform A Rib Check For Pet Obesity

Start by gently running your hands along the sides of your dog or cat. When you do this, you should be able to feel individual ribs. If you can’t easily feel your pet’s ribs, they are probably carrying some extra pounds.

How To Perform A Waist Check For Pet Obesity

Stand behind or over your dog or cat and look straight down. A pet who’s in good shape will have a defined waistline that tapers to a slimmer profile behind the ribs. A pet that is the same thickness from front to back likely is carrying too much poundage.

How To Perform A Tummy Profile Check for Pet Obesity

Get down on the same level as your pet and look at your dog or cat from the side. Their abdomen should tuck upwards from the lower end of their rib cage back to their hind legs. If your pet’s belly hangs level, or lower than the rib cage back to their hind legs, this is a sign that your pet is carrying excess weight.

Pet Obesity Prevention Tips for Dogs & Cats: Negative Health Effects from Obesity in Dogs & Cats

There are many negative health effects that stem from pets being overweight.

Health conditions that can arise when a pet is overweight or clinically obese include:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Impaired breathing
• Pancreatitis
• Respiratory disease
• Orthopedic issues
• Shortened lifespan…and more.

Pet Obesity Prevention Tips for Dogs & Cats: How Do Pets Become Obese?

Pets become overweight or obese from 3 main factors:

1. Overfeeding
2. Lack of exercise
3. Hormonal changes from spaying or neutering

Bottom line: Overfeeding is the number one source of pet obesity and overweight pets. There are many ways that overfeeding can manifest. First, portion sizes can be too large. Second, pets may be gifted with too many high-calorie treats, or people food. Overfeeding often happens when pet owners “free feed,” i.e., leave a big bowl of food out all day, causing the pet to overeat from stress or boredom.

Overfeeding also can happen if the protein content of the pet food is too high. To determine the protein content of your pet’s food, check the bag or package by the list of ingredients.

• 26% protein content, or less: A pet food protein content of 26% or less typically is considered a weight management food, or senior food blend.
• 26-28% protein content: This protein content range is usually acceptable for younger, healthy, active dogs or cats.
• 28% & higher protein content: Pet foods with a protein content higher than 28% are appropriate for very active, working animals (dogs herding sheep etc.) or animal athletes that are competing in agility or other competitions.

Lack of exercise is another reason why pets pack on the pounds. A dog that’s home all day while their owner is gone at work typically sleeps most of the day. A cat that doesn’t play and chase toys also will eat their same food portions but spend much of their time sleeping.

Pets also can gain weight from metabolism changes stemming from spaying or neutering.

Pet Obesity Prevention Tips for Dogs & Cats: How To Help Pets Lose Weight

The first step is to determine if pets are at a healthy weight for their breed and age. That’s one reason why veterinarians like to check the pet’s weight when they’re at the vet hospital for a visit. Veterinarians can conduct the rib check, the visual check, and know the ideal weight ranges for specific breeds of dogs and cats.

If the veterinarian determines that a pet is overweight, then a consistent weight management program can, and should, be implemented.

Typical weight management program strategies include:

• Dietary changes (Reducing portion sizes, or switching to a weight management food blend)
• Gradually increasing physical activity (More or longer walks, increased play time, and other forms of exercise that are appropriate for the pet’s age & health conditions)
• Limit treats or substitute low-calorie treats. For example, many pets who love their food will consider a tiny kibble of food as a treat. Those pieces of kibble are smaller than the average dog treat – and often lower in calories.

Pet Obesity / Weight Management Tips include:

• Consult with your veterinarian first & build a game plan for an ongoing weight management / weight reduction program.
• Control portions by measuring the amount of food fed to pets each day.
• Limit treats or use lower-calorie treats.
• Avoid table scraps fed to pets.

When increasing exercise – particularly for older pets – take it slow. Start gradually increasing activity to get your pet’s metabolism going and burning more calories.

There are so many health benefits to maintaining a healthy weight for dogs & cats, with the most obvious benefit being a longer, healthier life. That’s why pet obesity prevention tips should be on every pet owner’s radar screen.

Think your pet has pet obesity issues or is overweight? Contact Alford Avenue Veterinary Hospital & schedule an appointment to assess their condition & build a long-term plan for optimal pet health.