Vol. 4, No. 2, February 2007
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Pet Obesity
Is it possible to love our pets too much?
Every February, loved ones across the country exchange gifts such as candy and flowers, all in the name of St. Valentine. We express our love for our pets in the manner of what and how often we feed them, how we interact with them, and the toys we bestow upon them on a daily basis.
Is it possible to love our pets too much?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country. It is now the most common nutritional problem we see in our pets. Nearly half of all dogs are overweight and more than 20 percent of felines need to shed pounds. Overweight pets are unhealthy. They face a variety of weight-related diseases and a shorter, often more painful life.
But our pets do not decide when and how much they eat. As their owners, we control what they eat, when they exercise, and ultimately, their weight. We may be killing them with kindness. They may be fat and happy, but they are in danger.
Obesity Dangers
Diseases such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, and liver disease (including feline hepatic lipidosis) are associated with weight gain. There are also hormonal influences, age of the animal, genetic influences, and individual variations in metabolism and appetite; but unfortunately, the most frequent causes of obesity in pets are owner indulgence of treats and/or oversized portions of food, and lack of exercise.
Just about every organ in the body is affected by obesity; but most at risk are the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems. Obesity can compromise the effectiveness of a physical exam. Heart and lung sounds can be masked by body fat. The consistency and size of abdominal organs are difficult to feel through intervening fat. This may prevent the veterinarian from finding early indicators of disease and delay diagnosis until a disease has reached advanced stages. As the pet ages, these physical problems increase and the quality of life decreases.
Is Your Pet Overweight?
Breed and body structure should be taken into consideration when determining your pet’s ideal body weight. The best way to tell if your dog is overweight is to examine the dog. Start by looking at the dog from the side as he stands. You should able to see good definition between the rib cage and the abdominal area. If you cannot tell where the ribs end and the abdomen begins, your dog is likely overweight.
A dog within his normal weight range should have a thin layer of fat over the ribs. If you can actually put your fingers between each rib, the dog is too thin. If you cannot feel the ribs, your dog is fat. The more overweight the dog becomes, the heavier the layer of fat will feel. Fat can also be present along the back, over the hips, and over the abdomen.
It may be difficult to decide if your cat is overweight since looks can be deceiving. Heavily furred cats or those with excess hanging skin may appear to be overweight when they are not. Feeling the cat may be a better indicator of body mass. In general, cats should have a sleek appearance, without a huge belly or pads of fat on their hips.
Treating the Overweight Pet
Crash diets aren't good for pets—especially not for fat cats, who can develop a fatal liver problem if forced to reduce too quickly. A pet doesn't get fat overnight, and he shouldn't be forced to change course any more rapidly.
Change your pet's eating and exercise habits gradually. The best place to start is with a trip to your veterinarian. You'll want to make sure your pet doesn't have any problems that might make lifestyle changes difficult or dangerous. Your vet can also suggest a food plan that might help. Carve some time out of your schedule to walk your dog or play with your cat—three times a week, at least. Be sure to work in some aerobic exercise, anything that gets a cat or dog running.
Whatever food regimen you and your veterinarian decide on, be determined to stick to it and have the whole family on board with the plan. Get out of the habit of expressing love for your pets by constantly handing them treats. Sub- stitute mini rice cakes and small carrot sticks for the occasional dog treat. Dogs like them just fine, and they're not going to sabotage any weight-loss efforts.
Our pets are members of our family. We love them and want to keep them safe and healthy. To do this, we must keep them fit, not fat.
