Obesity in Pets

Just like people, our pets are getting fatter, with an estimated 30% of them being over-weight.  It is a significant issue which puts the animal at risk of many different diseases and can ultimately shorten their life. So, how do you know if your pet is fat and what can you do about it if they are?  

How to tell if your pet is  over-weight

The best way to tell if your pet is fat is to put your hands on them and examine them critically. They should have:

• Easy to feel ribs and spine.  You should be able to feel both with only mild pressure  when you run your hands down their sides and back. In over-weight pets it is often impossible to feel any bones because they are covered in a thick layer of fat.
• An obvious waist.  There should be a clear narrowing behind the chest when viewed from above.  Most obese pets will appear very square and have no waist at all.
• A clear abdominal 'tuck'. There should be an obvious tuck behind the ribs when you look at your pet from the side.  Again, fat pets will appear quite square from the side and many will have a sagging belly.
• Your local vets will also be able to give you advice and the nurses in particular should be happy to help you determine if your pet has a problem or not.  They will also have 'ideal' weight charts in the clinic for you to compare your pet against.

Risk factors for obesity

Some pets will be more prone to weight gain than others.  This does not mean it is inevitable they are fat, it just means you have to be more vigilant of them.  Things which would make an individual more likely to be over-weight include;

• Neutering – when an animal is neutered their calorie requirement drops by about 40% but their appetite increases by 20%.  So it is not surprising spayed or castrated animals will quickly become fat left to their own devices as they would effectively eat 60% more food than they need!
• Breed – some breeds are more likely to become fat than others.  For example, Labradors are notorious for being food obsessed whereas you would have to work very hard to make a Greyhound obese.  The same is true for cats, with the oriental breeds rarely being over-weight.
• Sex – females are more likely to be obese than males
• Age – as animals become older, they inevitably do less exercise and so burn fewer calories. They can also suffer from diseases such as arthritis and heart conditions which make it more difficult for them to be active
• Sedentary lifestyles – Indoor cats are more vulnerable to weight gain than those who go outdoors and their owners should be aware of this.  Dogs who don't get many walks, for example those owned by older or very busy people, are also usually fatter than those who are active.

Health Risks of Obesity

Being over-weight has significant health implications for a pet, just as it does in humans, and can ultimately shorten their life by up to 2 years. Health problems which are more likely and more severe in obese animals include;

• Arthritis – This is a very common disease in older animals and being fat makes it much worse and more painful.  The more weight an affected joint has to support, the more discomfort the animal will be in, the faster the problem will progress and the more medication they will need.
• Diabetes – cats who are overweight are very vulnerable to developing Diabetes in later life.  Weight loss makes them much less likely to have the problem and, in some cases, can reverse it if it develops.
• Incontinence – this is a common problem in older bitches but is more likely to occur in those who are bigger because the larger deposits of fat in the abdomen put extra pressure on the bladder.
• Cancer – many studies have shown that overweight animals are more likely to develop cancer than their thinner counterparts.
• Breathing problems – this is especially noticeable in the shorter nosed breeds in the summer months.  They can easily overheat in the warmer weather thanks to their lack of fitness, thick layers of fat and smaller windpipes.
• It is also worth noting that obese animals have more complications and higher risks when they undergo a general anaesthetic.  While this is not normally a reason to not anaesthatise your pet, many vets will advise weight loss before a procedure if it is elective.  

Why do pets become overweight?

• They are being over-fed – this is the most common reason for obesity.  Many people do not calculate how much they should feed a pet, often judging it on unmeasured scoops or handfuls. It can also be difficult to get the volume right if you are feeding a mixture of wet and dry food. Some owners rely on the pet telling them when they have had enough, believing (especially in cats) that animals will not over-eat but sadly there is no truth in that old wives tale!
• They are fed the wrong kind of food – pets should be fed a diet appropriate to their type and lifestyle.  For example, puppy and kitten foods should only be fed to animals less than a year old as they contain higher fats and calories.  'Working dog' diets are designed for those who do work for a living, like sheep dogs, not for any working breed of dog, who probably don't do nearly enough exercise to justify these denser calorie diets.
• They are fed too many treats – lots of people find it difficult to resist their pets big brown eyes. However, it is important to realise that treats to not equal love and probably do more harm than good.
• They are fed table scraps – pets who are given treats from the table or the left-overs of their owners dinner are almost always fatter than those that are not.  Our food is often very fatty and calorie dense.
• They do not get enough exercise – all dogs should have at least an hours off the lead exercise every day and, ideally, all cats should have free access to the outdoors.  Those who do not get this will be more vulnerable to weight gain and should have their rations cut back accordingly.
• They have an underlying illness – many people would like to blame their pet's weight gain on a disease but few are so afflicted.  Hypothyroidism in dogs will cause them to gain weight and in those for whom the weight gain is unexpected or weight loss is very difficult it should be tested for.

How can I help my pet lose weight?

• Feed an appropriate diet – In many cases, a simple dietary change is all that is needed to get a pet back to their ideal weight.  If, for example, they have been neutered then consider feeding a diet designed for neutered pets, which will be lower in calories.  If they are prone to weight gain, because of their breed, appetite or lifestyle, then feed a 'light' version pet food.  If you are really struggling then you should speak to your vet for advice, they will be able to supply prescription diets which are low fat, which can be excellent at kick starting weight loss.
• Measure the food – You should measure out your pets food everyday to ensure they are getting only what they need.  All diets will have feeding guides on the packets and you should feed your pet for they weight they should be not the weight they are. It is easier to feed a 100% dry food diet when regulating their food intake but if you do feed tinned as well, remember factor this in when calculating what they should have.  Also, if they get any treats then you should cut back on the normal food to compensate.
• Feed a  good quality diet – just as with human food, the better quality diets tend to be better for our pets health.  Those easily available at supermarkets, especially the cheaper brands with different coloured kibbles, can be very high in hidden fats and calories.
• Do not give too many treats – sometimes the treats a pet receives can nearly double their calorie intake.  Consider any treats you give like the chocolate and biscuits in your own diet; keep them in moderation, always make sure your pet has done something to deserve them and don't give them food if you feel guilty for leaving them.  For all pets your attention is something they crave and they will be much more grateful for a few minutes of play, a belly rub or a short walk than a biscuit.  Also, try feeding healthy treats like carrots or other crunchy veg, most dogs will really enjoy them but they contain virtually no calories.  You should cut out any table scraps altogether. 
• Feed small meals more frequently – a single big meal a day can mean that pets spend the majority of their time hungry and so looking for extra food and treats.  Feeding two or three smaller meals means they will feel fuller for longer and it will increase their metabolic rate. Cats are naturally grazing feeders and so do better with a food bowl of (measured!) dry food down most of the time.  Meal feeding cats, especially if you have several you feed at once, can encourage them to gorge.
• Increase their exercise – even small increases in a pets exercise levels, for example ten extra minutes on a walk or playing ball in the garden, can make a real difference.  It can be hard to encourage cats, especially fat ones, to move around more but most will play for a few minutes a day, especially with a new toy or one you can manipulate to make them chase it.
• Make sure they are not being fed elsewhere – this is particularly true of cats, who often pop round to the neighbours for a second breakfast!  Make sure everyone who cares for your pet knows they are on a diet and sometimes putting it on a tag on their collar can be very helpful. 

Obesity is a common and serious problem in our pets.  Keeping them a healthy weight will have significant positive effects on their health and lifestyle and is something all pet owners should be trying to achieve.  If you are at all concerned about an animal you should just pop to your vets, they will be able to tell you if your pet is fat, what they ideally should be and help you to help the lose weight if they need to. 

Please note, this is a advice only article.  If you have any concerns about this, or any other pet related subject, you must speak to your vet.