The human obesity epidemic has existed for decades, but more recently, the problem has expanded to include our pets. According to a 2022 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) survey, 59 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Furthermore, many dog and cat owners who were surveyed failed to recognize that their pet was overweight. If you aren’t sure whether your pet’s weight is healthy, you aren’t alone. Assessing weight and body condition in pets can be challenging, so our team at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers of Richmond explains how to best measure and manage your pet’s weight. 

What are the risks associated with pet obesity?

Fat tissue secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress on the body’s tissue, which contributes to many diseases. This is why pets who are overweight or obese typically live shorter lives than those who are a healthy weight. Overweight pets have an increased risk for a variety of health conditions, including:

  • Diabetes — Overweight and obese pets have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can occur when the body can’t use glucose normally. A diabetic pet requires frequent veterinary visits, a specific diet, and daily insulin injections.

  • High blood pressure — Obese pets are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure, which causes increased strain on the kidneys.

  • Respiratory disease — Excess fat surrounding the lungs can limit their ability to expand and place chronic stress on a pet’s respiratory system.

  • Heart failure — Specifically, abdominal obesity in pets is associated with an increased risk of heart failure.

  • Arthritis — Extra weight puts added pressure on a pet’s joints, leading to joint cartilage deterioration and arthritis over time.  

  • Cancer — Like overweight humans, obese pets have an increased risk for certain cancers. Cancer signs may include decreased appetite, pain, non-healing wounds, lethargy, and weight loss.

Additionally, If your pet is carrying extra weight, they have an increased risk for adverse effects while under anesthesia, and their surgical recovery may be delayed.

What causes obesity in pets?

A variety of factors can contribute to a pet’s weight gain, including:

  • Overfeeding — The number one cause of pet obesity is the consumption of excess portions, high-calorie diets, frequent treats, and table scraps.

  • Inappropriate nutrition — Feeding your pet a high-calorie food or high-carb diet can lead to weight gain.

  • Inactivity — Our pets lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle compared to their ancestors, and their exercise is rarely strenuous enough to create a steady calorie burn.

  • Health conditions — Various conditions, including hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, can cause weight gain. 

  • Age — Older pets have a reduced metabolism, and need fewer calories.

  • Genetics — Some pets are predisposed to weight gain, especially small toy-breed dogs, brachycephalic (i.e., flat-faced) breeds, and breeds such as Labrador retrievers, beagles, golden retrievers, bulldogs, basset hounds, and dachshunds.

How can I determine if my pet is overweight?

Pets are considered to be overweight when they are 10% to 30% above their ideal body weight and are considered obese when their weight exceeds 30% of their ideal body weight. However, recognizing your pet’s weight gain can be challenging. Pets often put on weight gradually, and because you see them every day, you may not notice, especially if your pet has a thick, fluffy coat to disguise the extra pounds. Your pet’s weight is a helpful data point, but body weight can be subjective. Their body condition score (BCS) provides a more accurate assessment of your pet’s overall body fat and can help you determine if they are overweight. A BCS scale ranges from one to nine, and each designation explains how your pet should look and what body points to palpate. Criteria include:

  1. How easily the ribs can be felt

  2. How well-defined your pet’s waist is

  3. How much excess fat is beneath the skin

  4. How much muscle mass is present

How can I help my pet lose weight?

Follow these important tips to help your pet shed extra pounds:

  • Calculate your pet’s daily caloric requirement — In addition to reading the label on your pet’s food bag to determine how much food they need, calculate the number of calories your pet needs each day, then divide that amount into two or three meals. 

  • Measure your pet’s food — Filling your pet’s bowl whenever they seem hungry is a surefire way to help them pack on the pounds. Instead, portion their food out with a proper measuring cup.

  • Account for your pet’s treats — Treats should account for no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie allotment. Rather than feeding them commercially produced treats, which can contain more calories than you’d expect, consider healthy options, such as small pieces of carrots, green beans, and broccoli. Avoid feeding your pet table scraps, which are typically full of fat and calories. 

  • Increase your pet’s exercise — Physical exercise is vital for achieving or maintaining a proper weight. Aim to get your pet moving for about 15 to 20 minutes two times a day.

The best way to determine if your pet is overweight is an assessment by our Neighborhood Veterinary Centers of Richmond team. Contact us to schedule a weight assessment for your pet, and ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life.