The Problem with Extra Pounds: Obesity in Pets

An imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned leads to weight gain in any species, but your four-legged friend may have complicating factors at play. Learn why obesity is a growing epidemic among our nation’s cats and dogs, and what you can do to keep your furry pal at a healthy weight.

The problem with extra pounds on your pet

Obesity is a common problem in pets and their people and can lead to numerous health and behavior issues in cats and dogs. If your pet is too heavy, they are at an increased risk for:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• High blood pressure (i.e., hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Respiratory disorders
• Chronic skin and urinary infections
• Organ dysfunction
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Heatstroke
• Anesthetic complications
• Slowed recovery from surgery, injury, or illness
• Stress and anxiety
• Some cancers

More than half the nation’s pet population—59% of dogs and 61% of cats—are classified as overweight or obese, so these health issues are a serious concern for pet owners. 

Why pets become obese

The reason that your pet gains weight may seem like a no-brainer, but more factors than an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned are at play. Obesity in pets is generally caused by:

• Poor diet — Pets can easily pack on the pounds if their diet is high in fat, sugar, and calories, whether in the main meal or treats.
• Sedentary lifestyle — Because of their owners’ busy days, pets often live sedentary lives with little activity. Too many calories paired with too little exercise is a recipe for weight gain.
• Genetics — Some pets are prone to weight gain because of their breed or genetics. Beagles, basset hounds, dachshunds, and Labradors are especially predisposed to obesity.
• Metabolic disorders — Endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, which interfere with metabolism, can cause pets to gain weight. Conversely, obesity can also predispose pets to developing these metabolic disorders.

How to successfully manage your pet’s weight

Successfully managing your pet’s weight is a lifelong endeavor, but can add quality years to their lifespan. If your furry pal is more fat than fluff, the following tactics can help them reach their weight loss goals:

• Evaluate your pet’s body condition — A body condition score (BCS) is a more accurate measurement of your pet’s health than their weight alone. Determine where your pet falls on a body condition scoring system to help them reach their ideal weight.
• Calculate caloric needs — Your pet’s caloric needs vary based on their age, neuter status, health, and activity. For example, an intact, active puppy requires many more calories for healthy growth than a spayed senior dog. You do not need to use a complicated formula—simply plug your pet’s information into a caloric requirement calculator.
• Measure meals — Once you know how many daily calories your pet needs, you can divide that number into two or three meals, leaving room for treats. Calculate how many calories your pet needs each meal, and determine how much food, whether canned or dry, will meet that requirement. Stick to that exact measurement instead of filling the empty bowl, or use a “scoop” to portion out your pet’s meals.
• Cut back on treats — Honestly evaluate how many treats your furry pal receives every day, whether they’re commercially produced treats or table scraps. Treats should make up only 10% of your pet’s daily calories, yet unhealthy snacks add up in a hurry. Monitor calorie, fat, and sugar content in your pet’s treats, and break them in half to still offer a tasty morsel with fewer calories. Or, swap out less-healthy treat options for fruits and veggies, like berries, green beans, and carrots.
• Make exercise fun — If you enjoy activities with your pet, you’re both more likely to exercise every day. Choose fun activities, like new training games, exploring new trails, or designing indoor agility courses. If you are unable to be as active with your pet as you’d like, purchase interactive toys that will entertain your four-legged friend while you aren’t home, or hire a pet sitter to play with them.
• Schedule a health check up — Some pets may have a health condition that prohibits them from losing weight easily. Arthritis can make exercising difficult and painful, while hypothyroidism can grind your pet’s metabolism to a halt. If your pet isn’t losing weight despite an appropriate diet and exercise plan, schedule a health check up with our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team. We can also guide you on safely putting your pet on a diet, as cutting calories too drastically can cause serious health problems, especially in cats.

Losing weight can challenge any species. If, despite your best efforts, your four-legged friend is struggling with maintaining a healthy weight, bring in professional support. Schedule a weight management consultation with our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team.