We’ve all seen the sad eyes. That look your pet gives you when the food bowl is empty can be hard to resist.And for pets that require more stimulus, eating food or indulging in extra treats can help ease the feeling of boredom (that goes for humans, too)!
It’s no wonder that one in three cats and dogs living in the U.S. are overweight. According to a 2019 Banfield Pet Hospital study, the percentage of overweight and obese pets has reached epidemic levels, and diseases commonly associated with excess weight ― including osteoarthritis ― are on the rise.
The effect of obesity on your pet’s health
Spoiling our four-legged friends with food, or skipping a walk here or there can be tempting. But it’s important to consider the effect on their health.
Frequent overfeeding and lack of exercise can take a toll, leading to serious issues like high blood pressure, increased risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes.
Excess weight can even decrease your pet’s life expectancy.
So how do you know if your dog or cat needs to lose a few pounds?
Use the graph to the right as a starting point and determine where they fall on the weight spectrum.
You can also do a quick physical check on your pet’s rib cage. If you feel a small layer of fat but you can still find their ribs easily, they're at a healthy weight.
If you have to press hard to feel their ribs, they're overweight.
How to create a healthier lifestyle for your overweight pet
Diet
Think your dog or cat may be overweight or even obese? Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns. They’re an excellent resource for determining your pet’s ideal weight and how many calories they should be eating.
Your vet can help you create a weight-loss plan by suggesting a food that’s right for your pet’s lifestyle and providing portion size instructions. Even if you aren’t intentionally overfeeding your furry pal, portion sizes on pet food packaging are often generalizations that don’t reflect individual animal needs.
If you have multiple pets, it’s important that you feed each animal separately. Never free feed in multiple pet households — there will be no way for you to know how much each animal has eaten.
Make sure your pet’s water dish is always full. Dogs especially love fresh water and will lap it up when there’s nothing to eat.
Exercise
Physical activity is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight as well. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention considers exercise critical for cats and dogs.
Walking is an excellent option for weight loss in dogs. To maximize impact, maintain a brisk pace at the beginning of your trek. Look straight ahead like you mean business and draw
Dog parks, both indoor and outdoor, provide another opportunity for exercise. Just make sure you know dog park etiquette.
Cat at home? Enrichment toys such as feather wands can help them achieve a healthy body weight. Puzzle feeders work well, too. By hunting and playing for their food, your kitty will burn calories for every piece of kibble.
Adventurous felines may enjoy outdoor exercise on a leash. Learn how to get started with leash training.
Don't get discouraged
Patience is important as you strive for a slimmer, happier pet. It can take up to six months to see a difference after making changes in your friend’s food and exercise routines.
Need more game ideas or support in staying active? Check out the resources and course offerings available through Animal Humane Society's Training School.
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