Does Your Pet Need To Lose Weight?

Obesity is a major concern for our animal companions—literally—but it is not usually taken seriously. We know that many caring pet owners like spoiling their animal friends with snacks and nibbles. There’s nothing wrong with giving your furry pal tidbits, as long as you don’t go overboard. Fluffy and Fido will still look cute, even if they are a touch overweight. However, those extra pounds can come at a high cost to your pet’s health. Continue reading to discover more about pet obesity from your Cavan Monaghan, ON veterinarian.

How Do I Know If My Pet Is Obese?

In some circumstances, it’s clear whether a pet is overweight. If your furry friend looks like a potato with ears, legs, and a tail, he may be a bit of a porker. Obesity in fluffy or otherwise heavy-set dogs and cats is harder to determine, though.

As a rule of thumb, a pet is considered overweight if it weighs more than 10% of its ideal body weight and obese if it weighs more than 20% more.

The ideal body weight for your dog will depend in large part on his breed. There is a wide range here. A robust male Newfoundland can weigh over 80 kgs, while a Chihuahua weigh less than 3. If your dog is purebred, you can learn more about his ideal weight by checking the breed standards.

Of course, many dogs are mutts. What then?

That brings us to body weight score charts. You can find them online, or try a simple test. Feel your pet’s ribs. If you can feel them beneath a thin layer of muscle and fat, that’s a really good sign. If you can’t feel them at all, your pet is likely obese.

Your vet is going to be the ultimate judge here. This is definitely something to discuss at your appointments at our Cavan Monaghan, ON pet hospital.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Obesity?

At the end of the day, your pet’s weight is determined by his calorie intake and whether he is burning more than he is consuming. This, of course, is where Man’s Best Friend’s fondness for snacks comes into play. Fido will definitely not turn his cute nose up at a slice of bacon, and he’ll promptly jump into action to help with cleanup if you drop a hot dog onto the floor. That said, certain breeds are more prone to gaining weight than others.

Some of the pups that tend to pack on pounds include the Pug, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, German Shepherd, Scottish Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Newfoundland, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever, Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frisé, Border Collie, Saint Bernard, and West Highland White Terrier.

Which Cat Breeds Are Most Prone To Obesity?

Breed isn’t as crucial a factor for kitties as it is for dogs. For starters, mixed-breed cats are the norm rather than the exception. Cat breeds also vary in size less than dog breeds do. However, there are a few outliers. The Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat are considerably larger than many other kitties, while the adorable Munchkin cat is rather little.

The Maine Coon and its cousin, the Norwegian Forest Cat, are at the top of the list of fat cats. Other furballs that are prone to becoming butterballs are the British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Exotic Short Hair, Ragdoll, Birman, and Sphynx.

How Do I Help My Pet Slim Down?

There is both good and bad news here. The good news is that you decide what your pet eats. And while you can’t exactly tell Fido or Fluffy to run laps around the kitchen, you also do have a huge influence on what their activity routine looks like. Ask your veterinarian for specific advice about your pet’s feeding and exercise requirements.

• Maintain proper portion control. Even feeding your pet a few additional calories every day can lead to weight gain!
• Offer a nutritious, age-appropriate food. Make changes slowly, over the course of several days.
• Never try to put a pet on a crash diet. This can wreak havoc on their metabolism.
• Finally, restrict the number of treats you provide to your animal friend. It’s fine to give Fluffy and Fido snacks, but keep treats to around 5% of your pet’s daily caloric consumption. Don’t be deceived by those cute faces and adorable theatrics! If you can’t resist, offer something healthy.
• Monitor your pet’s weight. One easy way to do this is to weigh yourself, then pick up your pet and weigh yourself again. The difference is your pet’s weight.

Remember to visit your Cavan Monaghan, ON pet clinic regularly. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on your furry pal’s health and care. That’s why we’re here!

Book An Appointment at Our Cavan Monaghan, ON Animal Clinic

Do you have any queries concerning your pet’s nutrition or care? Please call us, your Cavan Monaghan, ON veterinarians, anytime. We’re here to help!