Obesity in Cats and Dogs: A Serious Health Issue

Obesity is a serious health problem that affects many pets today. Obesity can lead to various diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, heart problems, and even cancer. It can also reduce the quality and length of your pet’s life.

Obesity is a condition where an animal accumulates too much body fat, resulting in a body weight that is more than 20% above the ideal weight for its breed and gender. Obesity can affect all types of pets, but it is especially common in cats and dogs, with estimates suggesting that up to 63% of pet cats and 59.3% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. Obesity can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of our furry friends, as it is linked with many diseases and reduced lifespan. Therefore, it is important to prevent and treat obesity in your cats and dogs.

In this blog, we will explore some of the causes, effects, and prevention strategies of obesity in cats and dogs.

What causes obesity in pets?

Obesity in pets is mainly caused by eating too much or not exercising enough. Some factors that can contribute to obesity include:

• Feeding your pet too much food, especially high-calorie or low-quality food
• Giving your pet too many treats or human food
• Not measuring or controlling your pet’s food portions
• Feeding your pet only once a day or leaving food available all the time
• Not providing enough physical activity or mental stimulation for your pet
• Neutering or spaying your pet, which can lower their metabolism and increase their appetite
• Ageing, which can slow down your pet’s metabolism and reduce their activity level
• Genetic factors, which can make some breeds more prone to obesity
• Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, which can affect your pet’s hormones and metabolism

Effects of Obesity in Cats and Dogs

Obesity can have a negative impact on the quality and quantity of life of pets, as it can increase the risk of various health problems, such as:

• Osteoarthritis:

Excess weight can put more stress on the joints and cartilage of pets, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. This can affect the daily activities and comfort of pets, as well as their ability to exercise and lose weight.

• Diabetes:

Obesity can cause insulin resistance in pets, meaning that their cells do not respond well to the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can result in high blood sugar levels, which can damage the organs and cause symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, hunger, and weight loss. Diabetes can also lead to complications such as ketoacidosis, cataracts, and nerve damage.

• Heart disease:

Obesity can increase the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of pets, which can affect the function and structure of the heart and blood vessels. This can result in heart failure, arrhythmias, or strokes, which can be fatal or cause permanent damage.

• Respiratory disease:

Obesity can impair the breathing and oxygen delivery of pets, as it can reduce the lung capacity and increase the work of breathing. This can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, panting, and exercise intolerance. Obesity can also worsen existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis.

• Urinary disease:

Obesity can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and bladder stones in pets, as it can affect the urine concentration and pH, as well as the immune system. These conditions can cause pain, inflammation, and obstruction of the urinary tract, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

• Cancer:

Obesity can increase the risk of some types of cancer in pets, such as mammary tumours, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma. This is because obesity can cause chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which can promote the growth and spread of abnormal cells.

• Reduced lifespan:

Obesity can shorten the lifespan of pets by an average of 2.5 years in dogs and 1.9 years in cats, according to some studies. This is because obesity can increase the likelihood and severity of the diseases mentioned above, as well as reduce the vitality and happiness of pets.

How to prevent obesity in pets?

The best way to prevent obesity in pets is to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet and enough exercise. Here are some tips to help you prevent obesity in your cats and dogs:

• Choose a high-quality pet food that is appropriate for your pet’s age, size, breed, and activity level. You can find a variety of pet food brands at Marmaduke Pets online store, such as Acana, Hill’s Science Plan, and Olympic Professional.
• Follow the feeding guidelines on the pet food label or consult your veterinarian to determine the right amount of food for your pet. Use a measuring cup or a gram scale to measure your pet’s food portions accurately.
• Feed your pet at regular intervals, preferably two or three times a day, and avoid leaving food available all the time. This can help your pet regulate their appetite and prevent overeating.
• Limit the amount and frequency of treats or human food that you give to your pet. Treats should not exceed 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake. Choose low-calorie and healthy treats, such as Kit Cat Boneless Chicken Shreds & Salmon with Goat’s Milk or L’ Chic Roll Play Ball.
• Provide your pet with enough physical activity and mental stimulation every day. This can help your pet burn calories, maintain muscle mass, and prevent boredom. You can play with your pet, take them for walks, or provide them with toys, such as Petstages Scratch and Play Tower Track or Abaques Bird Toy.
• Monitor your pet’s weight and body condition regularly. You can use a scale to weigh your pet or a body condition score (BCS) system to assess their body fat. The ideal BCS for cats is 5 and for dogs is 4-5. You can find the BCS charts at RSPCA or Small Door Veterinary.
• Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s weight or health. Your veterinarian can check your pet for any medical conditions that can cause obesity and provide you with a personalized weight management plan.

How to treat obesity in pets?

If your pet is already obese, you need to take action to help them lose weight and improve their health. Here are some steps to follow to treat obesity in your cats and dogs:

• Consult your veterinarian before starting any weight loss program for your pet. Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of obesity, rule out any underlying diseases, and prescribe a safe and effective weight loss plan for your pet.
• Switch to a low-calorie and high-protein pet food that is specially formulated for weight loss. This can help your pet feel full and satisfied while reducing their calorie intake and preserving their lean body mass. You can find some weight loss pet food options at Marmaduke Pets online store, such as Hill’s Science Plan Perfect Weight Wet Dog Food Vegetable and Chicken Flavour or Paws Cat 28% Protein.
• Aim for a gradual and consistent weight loss of 0.5-1% of body weight per week in cats and 1-2% in dogs. This can help prevent weight rebound and health complications. To monitor your pet’s weight loss progress, weigh them weekly and adjust their food intake accordingly.
• Increase your pet’s physical activity and mental stimulation gradually and safely. This can help your pet burn more calories, improve their mobility and mood, and prevent muscle loss. You can increase the duration, frequency, and intensity of your pet’s exercise or play sessions, or introduce new activities or toys, such as Rosewood Catwalk Collection Coriander or Petstages Scratch and Groom.
• Reward your pet with praise, attention, or toys instead of food. This can help your pet associate positive emotions with weight loss and avoid food-related stress. You can also use interactive feeders, such as Rosewood Catwalk Collection Charcoal Felt Stool or Scratch Snuggle & Rest, to make feeding time more fun and challenging for your pet.
• Be patient and supportive of your pet throughout the weight loss journey. Remember that weight loss is not easy for anyone, especially for pets who do not understand why their food is reduced or changed. Show your pet that you love them and care for their well-being, and celebrate their achievements along the way.

Obesity in cats and dogs is a preventable and treatable condition that can have serious consequences for your pet’s health and happiness. By following these tips, you can help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a longer and better life. For more information and advice on pet obesity, visit Marmaduke Pets online store or contact your veterinarian.