02/26/2024
They might get a bit fluffier around the middle in winter as not everyone wants to go for that long walk in the snow (and anyone who's run into me in January will know I'll be the last one to blame you for not making them 😝) but it's important to keep an eye on our furry friends waistlines 💝
Obesity. Not only is this a concern among the human population, but studies estimate that 50 million dogs and 56 million cats are either overweight or obese. That's roughly 56% of canines and 60% of felines.
Dogs and cats are considered to be overweight when they weigh 10-30% above their ideal body weight. Obesity is diagnosed when their weight exceeds 30% of their ideal body weight.
How do you know if your pet is obese? The most reliable source is your veterinarian, however there are a few ways to know.
1. Does the stomach sag of feel bloated/tight? Like humans, this is a clear indicator that your pet is carrying too much weight.
2. Are your pet’s ribs hard to distinguish? By placing your hands on the sides of the chest, you should be able to feel the rib cage without much effort.
3. Dogs and cats should have a distinct taper at their waist, between the abdomen and where their hips go into the socket. Overweight pets are oval-shaped, rather than hourglass.
4. A broad and flat back is another sign they’re too wide on the sides.
There are several reasons why your pet could be overweight, but the root cause is an imbalance between the energy intake and usage.
1. Overfeeding – This is THE #1 reason: consumption of excess portions, high-calorie diets, frequent treats and/or table scraps.
2. Aging – a decrease in activity/exercise due to arthritis and/or some other aging condition, not to mention a natural slowdown in their metabolism.
3. Hypothyroidism – a common disease in pets in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroxine. This hormone regulates metabolism and slows it down.
4. Insulinoma – rare in felines, a tumor on a canine’s pancreas that results in excessive amounts of insulin being produced. Weight gain is a common side effect.
5. Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) – a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands causing an overproduction of hormones, usually cortisol, being released causing increased appetite.
How can you help your pet? First of all you must remember that an obese pet is unhealthy. This does NOT mean you do not love your pet or properly care for them. But obesity is a health issue that must be addressed. Before beginning any type of diet or exercise routine, speak with your veterinarian and rule out any health issues. Have an appropriate plan for your pet and stick to it. There are definitely reasons to keep your pet at an ideal weight:
1. Reduced risk of health issues. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight lowers the risk of kidney disease, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer.
2. Better quality of life. A healthy weight means that your dog is much more able to stay active, such as long walks or playing with their pals at the local dog park. For cats, playing with toys, employing a cat tower and/or regular catnip indulgences help them burn calories. Extra weight can greatly limit your pet’s mobility and energy levels.
3. Longer Life expectancy. A long-term study of Labrador retrievers from the same litter exhibited that dogs that maintained at a healthy weight lived an average of two years longer than those who were obese.
4. Lower veterinary expenses. Lower risk of health issues can greatly reduce the amount of money needed to treat obesity-related health issues.
