According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 42 % of Americans are considered obese. But obesity is an even bigger problem for their pet family members. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention notes that 59 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats were classified as overweight or obese in 2022. Unfortunately, being overweight can hurt your pet in several ways. But how do you know if your pet is among the weight-challenged? Look for the telltale signs below.
Is Your Pet Overweight?
Take a moment to do this quick check:
- You should be able to quickly feel your pet’s ribs if you run your fingers across your pet’s abdomen.
- From the side, you should also be able to see a “tuck-in” or upward slope from the belly toward your pet’s hind end.
- From the top view, your pet should have a visible waist behind the ribs.
- If you can see your pet’s ribs, though, your pet may be too thin.
Body Condition Score (or BCS) is another way we determine your pet’s ideal size and shape. We assign a score of 1 to 9, with 1 being too thin and 9 being obese. We aim for the ideal weight in the middle, at a 4 or 5.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has charts that show ideal body conditions for healthy dogs and cats. Ideal weight varies, even among similarly sized dogs or cats. When you bring your pet to see one of our vets at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, we’ll show you how to gauge your pet’s weight and BCS.
Dogs and cats are considered overweight if they are at least 10 to 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight. Twenty percent of extra pounds on a dog that only weighs 10 pounds can be devastating to its health, likewise for cats. Many cat owners think their cats are just fluffy when they’re really carrying around potentially unhealthy excess weight.
What Are the Health Risks for Overweight Pets?
Unfortunately, carrying extra weight can cause many health issues for our pets. Both dogs and cats are at increased risk of developing:
- Arthritis and other joint issues
- Back problems
- Certain cancers
- Decreased immune function
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Respiratory issues
- Urinary tract disease
Plus, being overweight can shorten your pet’s life span. Cats and dogs carrying extra weight may not live as long as those with a healthy BCS. Plus, some of it depends on the breed. Pugs top the list of overweight dogs, with a surprising 64 percent being diagnosed as obese.
The good news is that if your pet is a healthy weight or gets back to an ideal BCS, you’ll give your pet the gift of a better quality of life, less risk for certain diseases, and quite possibly a better chance of living longer.
Could My Pet Just Have an Under Active Thyroid?
It is possible, so your veterinarian will check your pet to rule out any medical causes contributing to weight gain. However, most overweight pets have simply been eating more calories than burned.
How Can Your Vet Help Your Pet Lose Weight?
For most overweight pets, increasing their exercise levels is a great place to start. Many pets are overweight due to inactivity. Start to increase their activity levels slowly, though, as they are probably relatively out-of-shape if they carry extra weight. Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance. Also, be sparing with treats or replace their current fatty favorites with more nutritional options.
You can also give dogs pieces of vegetables such as baby carrots, frozen sliced carrots, broccoli, green beans, celery, or asparagus. They love the crunch and are virtually calorie-free compared to a milk bone.
Our vets can work with you to identify not only the environmental factors that lead to pet obesity but also dietary considerations to help them trim down. Together, we’ll develop a weight management plan that includes practical and achievable nutrition and exercise goals for your pet. We can also give you advice on helping to keep your pet feeling full while shedding pounds.
Call to schedule an appointment for an exam to start your pet on a healthier path.
