Did you know that more than 50% of domestic dogs and cats are overweight or obese? Obesity is a major issue for our animal companions, yet it is not always taken as seriously as it should be. Fluffy and Fido of course will still look charming, even if they are slightly overweight. However, those extra pounds come at a high price. Continue reading to learn more about pet obesity from a local Hobe Sound, FL veterinarian.
How Do I Know If My Pet Is Obese?
In some circumstances, it’s pretty easy to determine whether Fido is overweight. If your dog resembles a potato with ears, legs, and a tail attached, he might be a chonker! It is not always so easy to tell with fluffy or otherwise heavy-set dogs, though.
A pet is deemed overweight if he weighs more than 10 percent of his ideal body weight, and is considered obese if he is more than 20% overweight.
The recommended body weight for your dog will vary depending on the breed. There is a tremendous range here. A Newfoundland male may weigh up to 180 pounds, whilst a Chihuahua may weigh just 6 pounds. If your dog is a purebred, you can get the information by researching the breed standards.
Of course, many dogs—and the great majority of our patients—are mutts. Body weight score charts can be a good indication. The ‘rib’ test can help you determine whether your dog is too big, too little, or just right. Try feeling your pet’s ribs. If you can feel them behind a thin layer of muscle and fat, Fido is usually in good form. If you can’t feel them at all, your pet is likely obese. Of course, your Hobe Sound, FL veterinarian is going to be the ultimate authority.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Obesity?
It is probably pretty safe to say that all of our canine companions enjoy treats. Fido won’t turn his cute nose up at a slice of bacon, and he won’t hesitate to take one for the team if you drop a burger or meatball on the ground. Obesity can affect any dog, but particular breeds are more prone to it than others.
Here are some of the pooches that tend to be on the rounder side:
- Labrador Retriever
- Pug Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshund
- Basset Hound
- Bulldog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Rottweiler
- Border Terrier
- Boxer
- German Shepherd
- Scottish Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Newfoundland
- Shih Tzu
- Bichon frisé
- Border Collie
- Saint Bernard
- West Highland White Terrier
Which Cat Breeds Are Most Prone to Obesity?
Breed does not always play as important a role in cat ownership as it does in dog ownership. For one thing, mixed-breed cats are more common. Cat breeds also have less variance in size than dogs. There are some exceptions here. The Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat are noticeably larger than many of their lesser counterparts. On the other end of the range, the Munchkin cat is extremely little. But for the most part, you just won’t see as much variation in kitties as you would in dogs.
That being stated, here is a list of chubby kitties.
- British Shorthair
- American Shorthair
- Exotic Shorthair
- RagaMuffin – Birman
- Sphynx
- Maine Coon
- Norwegian Forest Cat
What Are The Risks Of Obesity?
Extra weight can cause all sorts of health problems with pets, just as it can with people.
Here are a few of the main concerns:
Skin Issues
Chubby pets are more likely to develop skin folds, which can trap oil, bacteria, filth, and dander. This can cause skin irritation and hair matting, and can also cause painful skin infections.
Respiratory Problems
If Fido or Fluffy are overweight, their lungs must work harder. This raises the likelihood of specific complications, such as a collapsing trachea and laryngeal paralysis. Chubby pets also get out of breath very easily while running or playing.
Reproductive Issues
Obesity can significantly raise the risk of many different health problems. Many can imperil the lives of not only the puppies and kittens, but also the mother.
Heat Intolerance
When temperatures rise, all pets are susceptible to heat stroke and exhaustion. However, pets that are overweight or obese are particularly vulnerable.
Osteoarthritis
This one isn’t that shocking. Extra weight causes more strain on pets’ bones and joints. This increased stress may raise your pet’s risk of developing bone/joint problems, such as osteoarthritis.
Heart Disease
Obesity is closely associated with heart disease in people. It is no different for pets! If your pet is obese, his or her heart will have to work harder to keep the blood flowing properly.
Of course, these are only a handful of the major hazards extra weight can pose. Others include the following:
- Diabetes
- Liver and Kidney Issues
- Reduced Immunity
- Kidney Dysfunction
- Metabolic Problems
- Endocrine Issues
- Pancreatitis
- Reduced Life Expectancy
To make matters worse, obesity can easily turn into a downward cycle. As pets gain weight, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to keep their physical activity up. That can quickly become a Catch-22.
How Can I Help My Pet Lose Weight?
There is both good and bad news about this one.The good news is that you can simply manage your pet’s caloric intake and exercise regimen. You want to get good, tailored advice from your veterinarian. Find out how much your pet should eat and how much exercise they should get. Fido and Fluffy can’t actually get a snack from the fridge or order Doordash. They can, however, bombard you with mournful stares and other techniques. You might need to steel yourself!
Pay attention to portion control. Even giving your pet a few additional calories per day can cause weight gain!
Finally, restrict the number of goodies you give your furry friend. It’s fine to offer Fluffy and Fido snacks, but keep treats to about 5% of your pet’s daily caloric consumption. Don’t let that cute face fool you! Be sure to ask your Hobe Sound, FL vet for specific advice on your pet’s nutritional needs.
Book An Appointment At Our Hobe Sound, FL Animal Clinic
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s diet or care? Please contact us, your Hobe Sound, FL pet hospital. We are here to help!
