Did you know that overweight and obese pets live shorter, lower-quality lives than their lean counterparts? Studies in multiple species—including dogs—show that a reduced food intake keeps your pet lean and extends life expectancy by up to two years. For our pets, who typically live fewer than 15 years, this is too significant to ignore. 

At Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale, we want pets in our care to live the longest, healthiest lives possible. This means doing everything in our power to educate pet owners on the dangers of obesity and why taking steps toward better weight management is worth the effort and commitment. To illustrate this point, we answer commonly asked questions about pet obesity and weight management.

Question: How prevalent is obesity in pets?

Answer: As of 2022, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were classified as overweight or obese. Veterinarians use standardized scales to arrive at a body condition score, which classifies pets into underweight, healthy weight, and overweight categories based on their individual body size and shape.

Q: What causes pet obesity?

A: Some medical conditions, including hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, and long-term medication use, particularly steroids or anti-seizure drugs, can lead to weight gain. But, the most common culprit is overfeeding, a genetic predisposition to gain weight easily, or a combination of the two. Overweight pets may simply be eating too much or their diet doesn’t work for their metabolic needs.

Q: How do I know if my pet is overweight or obese?

A: Recognizing obesity in pets can be challenging for pet owners, because most aren’t quite sure how a healthy weight pet looks. Because many pets are overweight, pet owners develop a skewed perception and believe healthy-weight pets are actually underweight. Ask our veterinary team to evaluate your pet’s weight, explain how they arrived at that conclusion, and to estimate your pet’s healthy weight range.

Q: Why is pet obesity harmful?

A: Studies show that obesity is linked to several serious medical issues in pets, including arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and lung conditions, and several cancer types. Overall, obesity may reduce a pet’s lifespan by up to two years, because their risk increases  when their fat cells, which produce chemical signals that promote inflammation, cause chronic, low-grade inflammation that can damage body cells and systems over time.

Q: Should I put my pet on a diet?

A: We do not recommend changing your pet’s diet without first consulting with our veterinary team. If your pet is only mildly overweight, slightly reducing the amount you feed each day or switching to vegetables for treats is likely sufficient to induce weight loss and long-term maintenance. Pets with more to lose may need an entirely different diet to reduce caloric density without also reducing important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, or fatty acids. 

No one-size-fits-all weight loss diet exists for pets. Generally speaking, dogs benefit most from reducing calories, reducing fat, or boosting dietary fiber. Cats benefit most from reducing carbohydrates, which may also help to regulate or reverse Type II feline diabetes. Your pet’s species, age, breed, and other health concerns will dictate the diet our team recommends.

Q: How do I exercise my overweight dog safely?

A: Exercise helps reduce weight, keep muscles and joints healthy, expends energy, and provides mental stimulation. But, overweight dogs, who likely struggle with low energy levels or painful joints, can find exercise too difficult. The key is to start slowly with a few short, brisk walks per day, and build endurance gradually. Overweight dogs are at heatstroke risk, so avoid outdoor activities during the height of summer, and instead try indoor play sessions, active training sessions, or controlled swim sessions with a local hydrotherapy.

Q: How do I exercise my overweight cat safely?

A: You can’t ask your cat to walk or run with you unless they are leash-trained, but you can still encourage them to move more throughout the day. If your cat is food-motivated, try providing dinner in a food puzzle ball that they need to roll around to dispense the meal. You can also encourage activity with a laser toy, interactive motion toy, wand chaser toy, or catnip.

Q: What if my pet isn’t losing weight?

A: We encourage all pet owners who are working to reduce their furry pal’s weight through specific goals to check in with our team frequently. Weigh-ins will help you track progress, and we can adjust the plan if the needle isn’t moving. We also recommend checking in with family members to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Q: Where can I learn more about pet obesity?

A: The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) is an excellent resource for pet owners looking to help their four-legged friend lose weight or to learn more about pet obesity and weight management.

Although overweight pets are undoubtedly cute, the health consequences make those extra pounds dangerous. Schedule a visit with our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team to assess your pet’s weight and overall health and then implement simple changes that will give your pet a healthier, longer-lasting future.