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Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight?

Published 1st Feb 2021

After the holiday season, some of us may have put on a few kilos and your pets might have too! An extra treat or scraps over the Holidays can add up and lead to long term weight issues. It's important to get your pet's weight under control as soon as possible to keep them happy and healthy. We speak to PetO Vet Dr. Jon for advice on what to look out for and how to keep your pet's weight under control.

The risks of obesity and overweight pets

In Australia, studies show that 35% of cats and 50% of dogs are overweight. Overweight pets often refrain from activities like play and personal hygiene. Overweight pets are also more prone to conditions such as diabetes, pancreatitis, arthritis, heart and lung diseases.

Causes of weight gain in pets

Overfeeding

We love to spoil our pets but giving them access to more food than recommended or too many treats will be bad for their health in the long run.

Overeating

Some commercial foods are full of salt and fat. This can make the food irresistible to your pet but also means your pet will want to pig out. Reducing the amount of food or choosing a premium pet food can help to curb this habit.

Age

Senior dogs are less active and usually require less calories. If your pet is over 7 years old, it might be time to re-evaluate their diet and choose a food that is specially formulated for their age range.

Breed

Some breeds are prone to weight gain and obesity such as Beagles, Boxers, Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers to name a few. Choosing a breed specific food can sometimes help.

Neutering/Spraying

The basic metabolism of neutered pets are lower, and they require fewer calories.

Medical Problems

In some cases, a medical issue can be the cause of weight gain. Speak to your vet if ASAP if you are concerned about their weight gain.

How to check if your pet is overweight

Looking at charts with our pet’s breed will give an indication of their correct mature weight. You should consult with your vet who can weigh your pet and work out your pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS) for a diagnosis.

1. Check if you can feel their ribs - you should be able to feel your pets ribs without a thick layer of fat over them. If you can't feel the ribs at all, your pet may be obese.

2. Check if they have a belly - an overweight pet will generally have no waist and no distinction between chest and stomach. Your pet’s chest should also be wider than their abdomen.

3. Check for fat deposits near the neck. spine and base of tail. If you notice fat in these areas, your pet is most likely obese.

Here are some other signs of obesity you may notice:

  • Collar needs loosening
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Slow movement
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bad temper
  • Sleeping more than usual

What to do if you suspect your pet is overweight

If you pet is overweight there are two ways to help: exercise and adjusting food intake - just like us.

We (try to) watch our weight and we should do the same for our pets. Feeding the right amount and type of food for your pet is important. Looking at the food label will tell you the amount to feed. For example, if you mix feed be sure to feed 50% of each food to make up the total amount you need to feed. If you give a lot of extra treats one day be sure to adjust the amount of the food fed. If your pet is obese, your vet may recommend no treats at all and reducing the food by a specific percentage.

Always consult with your vet for the best advice on your pet to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Pet diet plans will vary depending on their breed, age and any conditions they may have.

Exercise is important to help burn off that extra fat. An extra walk each day, or even an extra 5 minutes and some interactive play will be highly beneficial. Your pet may resist at first but keep at it and you will see results combined with a diet plan.

Ask a PetO Team Member if you need some advice on the weight reducing food available in-store. Speak to your vet who will be able to recommend a prescription diet option for your pet's needs.

I recommend Hills prescription diets which have been formulated to ensure your pets get all the nutrients they need when they are on a weight reducing diet.

Weight Management Food

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight

  • Safe & effective weight loss with visible results within 10 weeks
  • Healthy weight maintenance & long lasting weight support
  • Lean muscle support

Hill's Science Diet Light

  • Low calories & L-Carnitine help promote ideal body weight, support healthy mobility & maintain heart function
  • High-quality protein & natural fibres help satisfy hunger between meals
  • Omega-6s & Vitamin E for beautiful skin & coat

Veterinary Diet Food

Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Diet

  • Essentially helps boost metabolism
  • Allows overweight pets to go from “fat-storing” to “fat-burning”
  • Helps weight maintenance after weight loss
  • Can be used for both overweight and obese pets

Hill's Prescription Diet r/d

  • Ideal for weight loss
  • High fibre
  • Low calorie
  • Low fat

Hill's Prescription Diet w/d

  • Ideal for weight maintenance
  • High fibre
  • Moderate calorie

 

Need some advice on your pet's health? Speak to PetO Vet Dr Jon at [email protected]

https://petovet.com.au/

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use ROYAL CANIN Prescription Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Pro Plan Veterinary Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Pro Plan Veterinary Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Pro Plan Veterinary Diet, it is recommended that seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Pro Plan Veterinary Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Pro Plan Veterinary Diet.

PURCHASE ACCEPTANCE

Please Note: "CUSTOMER SELF DECLARATION" By purchasing Hill’s Prescription Diet, you acknowledge and agree that the following is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  1. I confirm that my pet was examined by a Veterinarian who recommended the use of Hill’s Prescription Diet on the basis of his/her diagnosis.
  2. I have read and understood that whilst my pet is being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet, it is recommended that I seek veterinary advice at least every 6 months regarding the usage of Prescription Diet.
  3. I have read and understood that I need to seek immediate veterinary advice if my pet's condition deteriorates in any way whilst I use Hill’s Prescription Diet