Welcome to our guide on preventing pet obesity, where we share how to give your furry friend a longer, happier life. We all want the best for our beloved pets, but with pet obesity rates on the rise, it’s essential to address this growing concern.
This article covers the reasons behind pet obesity, its detrimental effects on your pet’s health, and, most importantly, how to prevent it. We will share tips and advice to ensure your pet stays fit, active, and in the best shape.
Join us as we explore the world of pet nutrition, exercise, and holistic health approaches, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to help your four-legged friend achieve optimal well-being. Get ready to unleash the secrets to your pet’s longer, happier life.
Causes of pet obesity
Pet obesity is a growing concern in today’s society. According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, pet obesity rates in the United States have steadily increased for decades. A study conducted in 2022 classified 59% of dogs and 61% of cats as being overweight or obese. These alarming statistics highlight the need for pet owners and their veterinarians to act and address this issue. But why has pet obesity become so prevalent?
There are several factors contributing to the rise of pet obesity. One of the main reasons is the overfeeding of pets. Many pet owners overestimate their pet’s nutritional needs and provide them with excessive food. Additionally, poorer quality pet foods contribute to weight gain and increase fecal production, shedding, dry and brittle coats, and food allergies. Conversely, high-quality foods allow you to feed less, promote healthy skin and fur, and pets have less stool production.
The lack of physical activity is another contributing factor. Along with the rise of technology, people generally live more sedentary lives, spending more time on computers, thus affecting the time they spend walking or playing with their pets.
Health risks associated with pet obesity.
Obesity in pets can have severe consequences on their overall health and quality of life. Like humans, carrying excess weight puts pets at risk for various health conditions. Here are some of the most common health risks associated with pet obesity:
Diabetes: Overweight pets are more prone to developing diabetes. The excess body fat interferes with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and, eventually, diabetes.
Arthritis: Extra weight stresses a pet’s joints, leading to arthritis. The constant strain on their joints can cause pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility.
Heart Disease: Obesity can also lead to heart problems in pets. The extra weight burdens their cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
Respiratory Issues: Excess weight can make breathing difficult for pets, especially during physical activity. This stress can lead to respiratory problems and decreased stamina.
Shortened Lifespan: Studies have shown that overweight and obese pets have a shorter lifespan compared to their healthy counterparts. Obesity can significantly reduce a pet’s overall life expectancy.
How to tell if your pet is overweight
Determining whether your pet is overweight can be challenging, especially because you see them daily, so you may not notice the gradual increase in weight over time. However, a few key indicators can help you assess your pet’s weight status. Here are some simple ways to tell if your pet is overweight:
Visual Assessment: Take a step back and observe your pet’s body shape. You should be able to see a distinct waistline behind your pet’s ribcage. If your pet’s body appears round or rectangular without a noticeable waist, your pet may be carrying excess weight.
Detecting their ribs: You should be able to feel your pets’ ribs without needing to press firmly. If you cannot easily feel their ribs, there is a good chance your pet is overweight.
Weight Check: Use a pet scale or bring your pet to AWRC to determine your pet’s current weight. You can then compare it to the ideal weight range for their breed and size. If your pet’s weight exceeds the recommended range, they are likely overweight.
Grooming Difficulty: If you notice that it is becoming increasingly challenging for your pet to groom themselves, especially reaching certain areas around the tail and lower back, it could be a sign of obesity.
It is always best to consult with one of our veterinarians if you need clarification on your pet’s weight. They can provide a professional assessment and guide you in the right direction.
Tips for preventing and managing pet obesity.
Preventing and managing pet obesity requires a combination of proper nutrition, regular exercise, and monitoring. Here are some helpful tips to help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
1. Choose a Balanced Diet: Picking the right pet food for your pet ensures that your pet stays healthy and happy. But there is no “one size fits all” diet for every dog and cat. And there are several factors to consider when choosing pet food for your beloved companion. In our blog, Choosing the Perfect Pet Food, you can read about our five essential tips for choosing the healthiest food for your pet.
2. Avoid overfeeding and unnecessary treats: We know how hard it is to resist feeding your pets when they beg or plead with their mournful eyes. However, overfeeding your pet with food or treats can quickly contribute to weight gain. So, keep to feeding schedules. When using treats to reward or train your pet, pay attention to the calories in the treats. We suggest you keep treat calories within 10% of your pet’s daily calorie requirement.
3. Monitor Food Intake: Measuring portions and following feeding guidelines provided by the pet food manufacturer can help prevent overeating. Avoid leaving food out all day, as pets tend to graze, leading to excessive calorie intake.
4. Avoid Feeding Table Scraps: While sharing your meals with your pet may be tempting, it’s best to avoid feeding them table scraps. Human food is often high in calories and can disrupt their balanced diet. Stick to their regular pet food to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients without unnecessary extra calories.
5. Implement Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Take dogs for daily walks or engage in interactive play sessions. Cats can benefit from playtime with toys that encourage movement, such as laser or wand toys. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise to help your pet burn calories and stay fit.
Creating a Veterinary Program Tailored to Your Pet’s Needs
Veterinary care plays a crucial role in managing pet obesity. Our AWRC team can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your pet’s weight loss journey. Here’s how we can help:
Professional Assessment: Our veterinarians can accurately assess your pet’s weight. They will determine your pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS). A pet’s BCS is a pet version of a human’s BMI. Based on your pet’s BCS, your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate weight loss plan. When you come for a nutritional consultation at AWRC, one of our veterinarians will go through a comprehensive integrative examination and questionnaire to gather enough information to make a tailored plan for your pet.
Tailored Diet Plans: Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” At AWRC, we genuinely believe disease conditions in the body can be prevented by eating a healthful, biologically appropriate diet. We can also treat diseases using food as therapy.
Once one of our veterinarians has diagnosed your pet, they will create a diet plan to help restore balance to the body. Depending on your lifestyle and your pet’s preferences, we can help you choose the best diet or create a balanced home-prepared recipe tailored to your pet’s nutritional needs.
Regular Weigh-ins: We can monitor your pet’s progress by scheduling regular weigh-ins. Regular weigh-ins allow us to track their weight loss and adjust the diet and exercise plan as needed.
Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine is a safe and natural alternative for treating many disease conditions. Doctors have studied herbal medicine for centuries, and although the effects can be pretty powerful, side effects are uncommon, making it an excellent alternative for pets that cannot tolerate traditional medications. At AWRC, we use both Western and Chinese herbal preparations. Chinese herbals are prescribed based on our integrative examination findings according to principles of Chinese medicine and pattern diagnosis.
Chronic Arthritis and Pain Management: Obesity in pets can lead to muscle weakening. The extra weight strains their muscles, leading to fatigue and atrophy. Lack of exercise and increased body weight contribute to declining muscle mass and strength. Obesity can also worsen joint problems, making movement more difficult and painful. For these reasons, overweight and obese pets can benefit significantly from our chronic arthritis and pain management services:
- Tui-Nai (massage technique to stimulate acupressure points)
- Spinal Manipulation
- Laser Therapy
- Underwater Treadmill
Conclusion: Resolving and Preventing Pet Obesity
Obesity is a leading cause of health problems in animal companions. Excessive weight on any pet creates added stress on their joints and inflammation in their body, and it can lead to multiple metabolic and endocrine diseases.
If your pet has put on a few extra pounds or is obese, we will work with you to create a healthy diet plan and start on an exercise regimen. Our underwater treadmill can increase metabolism, cardiovascular strength, and endurance. Walking in the water takes the stress off the joints, allowing your pet to exercise without restriction. We will develop individual exercises to improve strength and balance that are fun for your pet.
Losing weight and getting healthy again increases your pet’s chance of a long life with you. Contact us now to start your journey in 2024 towards a healthier pet and long-lasting relationship.
Happy New Year!