Obesity in cats and dogs are becoming more and more common and can affect pets of any age.
An overweight pet is at risk of developing all kinds of health problems, e.g. heart disease, joint disease and diabetes. For your pet, the excess weight and resulting health problems can mean less playtime, increased pain and even lead to depression.
Causes
Obesity can be defined as an excess of body fat that is enough to impair health, welfare and quality of life.
The main cause of obesity is an imbalance between the energy intake and the energy usage. In other words eating too much and exercising too little.
Other contributing factors:
- Age: Older pets are prone to weight gain, because they are less active and thus require less calories.
- Breed: Some dog breeds seem predisposed to weight gain, e.g. Labrador, Bulldog, Dachshund, Pug, Beagles and Jack Russell. All breeds of cats seem equally predisposed to weight gain.
- Sterilisation: Clinical studies have shown that the basal metabolism of a sterilised pet is lower and they require less calories. This makes them prone to weight gain if their diet and weight is not monitored.
- Overfeeding/Overeating: Pets that have unlimited access to food will understandably eat more than they need.
- Feeding habits: Feeding your pet table scraps, giving too many treats and not measuring your pet’s daily meals can all lead to unwanted weight gain.
- Lack of exercise: Too little or no exercise combined with overfeeding/overeating can only lead to obesity.
- Medical problems: Some diseases/medical disorders are known to contribute to weight gain. These include, but are not limited to hypothyroidism, brachycephalic syndrome in short nosed dogs and cats, cardiac disease and orthopaedic disease.
Effects
Obesity not only has a negative impact on your pet’s life span, but it also increases the risk of developing health problems, or the progression of an existing medical problem.
Obesity-related health problems include, but are not limited too:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Joint stress and Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory difficulties
- Non-allergenic skin problems
- Liver disease
- Decreased immune function
- Thyroid problems
- Increased risk of heat stroke/heat exhaustion
- Decreased stamina and exercise tolerance
- Increased anaesthetic risk
- Depression
Treatment
Treatment for obesity focuses on weight loss and keeping the weight off. This is achieved by combining a change in diet with increased exercise.
Feeding a pet less of tis regular food can help, but is often disappointing and can leave them feeling hungry. Switching to a “light” diet can often be effective. E.g. Hill’s Perfect Weight (for cats and dogs), Royal Canin Light (for cats and dogs), UltraPet Metabo-Lite (for cats) or Acana Light and Fit (for dogs).
Best results are usually achieved on a nutritionally complete and balanced, low-calorie, low fat food. E.g. Hill’s Metabolic (for cats and dogs), Royal Canin Obesity (for cats and dogs), Orijen Fit & Trim (for cats and dogs).
Always use a kitchen scale to ensure your pet is fed the correct amount with every feeding. If treats are part of a your pet’s daily routine, use part of the daily ration rather than adding extra treats to the daily intake.
Along with the adjustment/change in diet, engage pets in calorie-burning activities.
Popular exercises include:
Dogs:
- playing fetch
- playing with other dogs
- taking your dog for regular walks
- swimming
Cats:
- encourage your cat to follow you when you move from room to room or when walking in the garden.
- climbing trees or a “cat tree”
- some cats even enjoy walking on a leash
- use interactive cat toys to encourage your cat to play
Be careful not to let an overweight pet get exhausted, overheated or out of breath. Also keep in mind that an older/senior or extremely obese pet may not be able to exercise vigorously.
It is important to remember that a slow weight loss rate is safer. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult a vet.
Maintenance
Unfortunately, once a pet has been overweight, they may be prone to future weight gain. Therefore, following an ongoing weight-management plan based on good nutrition, exercise and regular check-ups and weight checks is essential.
