Obesity in pets is becoming more common, and it’s a growing concern.
In fact, recent studies show that a significant percentage of pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of dogs and 58% of cats were considered overweight or obese as of 2014.
This epidemic is a serious issue, one that could be shortening your pet’s life and leading to painful medical conditions.
As Dr. Ernie Ward, the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, has pointed out, the current generation of pets may not live as long as their parents due to obesity-related health problems.
These health issues often include conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer—all of which could be avoided with proper care and attention to weight.
So why are so many pets becoming overweight?
The most common causes are overfeeding and lack of exercise.
However, there are other risk factors that many pet owners may not be aware of.
Certain dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds, are more likely to become overweight than others.
Labrador Retrievers, in particular, are known for their love of food, and they often gain weight if not carefully monitored.
Gender also plays a role in pet obesity. Neutered dogs are twice as likely to become overweight as those who are not neutered, and male cats are genetically predisposed to gain weight, especially if they’ve been neutered.
Age is another important factor. Just like humans, pets tend to put on weight as they get older. If your dog or cat has reached their senior years, it may be time to adjust their diet and exercise routine.
Feeding guidelines provided by pet food manufacturers can often be misleading. Many pet owners unknowingly overfeed their pets by following these guidelines, which are not always accurate for every individual animal.
For example, the amount of food your pet needs depends on their breed, age, activity level, and current body condition.
Instead of relying solely on the package instructions, consult with your veterinarian to determine how many calories your pet should be consuming each day.
Additionally, treats can be a significant source of extra calories, and they should only make up a small percentage of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Dog and cat treats should not exceed 10-15% of their daily calorie intake, and it’s best to keep the treats small and infrequent.
Another challenge pet owners face is “fat blindness”—the inability to recognize when their pet is overweight. This happens because many pets are overweight, making it harder for people to notice the signs.
To avoid this, it’s important to assess your pet’s body condition regularly.
A healthy pet should have easily felt ribs and spine, a noticeable waist when viewed from above, and an abdomen that doesn’t sag when viewed from the side.
If you can’t feel your pet’s ribs, if their waist is not visible, or if their abdomen sags, they are likely overweight or obese.
In these cases, you should consult your veterinarian to determine your pet’s ideal weight and work together on a plan to achieve it.
By taking these steps, you can help your pet live a longer, healthier life free from the painful and expensive health issues associated with obesity.
