Is your pet’s gait more of a wobble than a walk? They may be overweight. Chunky, overweight dogs and cats that appear on television and social media platforms normalize pets’ weight problems, and many owners don’t realize their four-legged friend is carrying excess weight. Our WesVet Animal Hospital team knows how serious pet obesity is, and we provide important information about this issue, as well as tips to help you manage your furry pal’s weight.

Pet obesity facts

Pet obesity is a common problem and a significant health risk for dogs and cats. Consider these important facts about this weighty issue:

  • Pet obesity is prevalent — According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), veterinary professionals classify 59% of dogs and 61% of cats as being overweight or obese.
  • Pet obesity often goes unnoticed — According to the same APOP report, 36% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners considered their pet’s body condition normal when their veterinary professional classified them as obese or overweight.
  • Pet obesity increases your pet’s disease risk — Overweight and obese pets have an increased risk for several serious health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, urinary tract disorders, kidney disease, and certain cancers. 
  • Pet obesity decreases your pet’s life span — Studies indicate that overweight and obese pets tend to live an average of two years fewer than their counterparts who are at a healthy weight.
  • Pet obesity decreases your pet’s quality of life — In addition to predisposing them to debilitating health issues, excess weight inhibits your pet’s movement and breathing, making them less energetic and playful. 

Pet weight assessment

The best way to get an accurate assessment of your pet’s weight is to schedule an appointment with our WesVet Animal Hospital team. We can demonstrate how to evaluate your pet’s weight status, which involves performing a body condition score (BCS) assessment. A BCS is an objective tool that uses a nine-point scoring system, defining emaciated pets as a one and obese pets as a nine. An ideal BCS score is five. To assess your pet’s BCS, our team does the following:

  • Palpation — We feel your pet’s ribs and other strategic body parts. They should have a thin fat layer, allowing us to feel their ribs when applying gentle pressure. 
  • Observation from above — Our team evaluates your pet’s body shape by observing them from above to determine if they have a discernible waistline. Ideally, they should have a noticeable waist behind their ribs, tapering slightly toward their hips.
  • Observation from the side — We also evaluate your pet’s body shape by observing them from the side. Ideally, they should have an evident abdominal tuck.

Pet weight loss strategies

If your pet is overweight, consult with our team to develop a safe weight loss strategy. Suddenly restricting your pet’s calories can lead to malnutrition, and cats can also develop hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition. A weight loss plan may involve:

  • Health assessment — Certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism, can inhibit your pet’s ability to lose weight. Our team may recommend diagnostics to rule out a health condition. 
  • Prescription weight loss diet — Prescription weight loss diets are designed to provide adequate nutrition while helping your pet feel satiated while they lose weight.
  • Exercise — Exercise is vital to weight loss. Many overweight pets are sedentary, so we will devise an exercise plan to help your pet gradually increase their activity level.
  • Team mentality — For your pet’s weight loss plan to be successful, everyone in your family must be on board. If one person slips your pet extra treats or your child gives them their unwanted chicken nuggets, they derail your pet’s weight loss. Ensure your family members and friends understand the importance of sticking to your pet’s diet to ensure they achieve a healthy weight.
  • Frequent monitoring — Our team must monitor your pet’s weight frequently, so we can recommend changes to their weight loss plan if they aren’t progressing as expected. 

Pet weight management tips

Keeping your pet at an ideal weight is the best way to keep them healthy. To maintain your pet at a healthy weight, follow these tips:

  • Scheduling regular wellness exams — Annual or biannual wellness exams help our team track your pet’s weight and detect issues that could affect their weight before they cause a problem.
  • Weighing your pet regularly — Once you know your pet’s ideal weight, weigh them every one to two months to ensure they aren’t gaining or losing weight. 
  • Calculating your pet’s calorie requirements — Use a pet calorie calculator to determine the calorie amount your pet needs per day. These tools consider your pet’s breed, age, BCS,  weight, activity level, and spay or neuter status, making them a better option than your pet’s food label guide.
  • Measuring your pet’s food portion — Once you know your pet’s calorie requirements, you can determine the amount of food they need per day. Rather than guesstimating a portion size, use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to measure accurately and avoid overfeeding your pet.
  • Exercising your pet — Ensure your pet receives enough daily exercise to keep them fit and trim. If you are unsure about your pet’s exercise needs, consult our WesVet Animal Hospital team.
  • Limiting treats — Ensure treats account for no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. 

Pet obesity is a weighty matter, but we can help you keep your pet at a healthy weight. Schedule your pet’s wellness exam and weight assessment with our WesVet Animal Hospital team.