According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), around 60% of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese. Extra weight increases your pet’s health condition risks, some of which you may find surprising. Because pet owners are often unaware of their pet’s weight status and the issues associated with obesity, our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team believes education is the key to helping resolve this widespread problem. To help ensure you know how to maintain your furry pal’s health, we answer your most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pet obesity.

Question: How do I know if my pet is overweight?

Answer: Because pets’ body size and shape vary, you can’t rely on a weight chart to evaluate your dog’s or cat’s body condition. Our team uses a body condition scoring (BCS) system, checking parameters such as the thickness of fat covering the ribs and the presence of a waist tuck when viewing your pet from the side and from above. A pet’s expected body shape depends on their species and somewhat on their breed. For example, we would expect an extremely obvious waist tuck on a greyhound, but a cat’s waist tuck is rarely visible because they have a natural skin pouch on their bellies. 

Q: What are the health risks associated with pet obesity?

A: One study has shown that pets who ate less and maintained a lower weight lived around two years longer than those who ate more and gained weight. Our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team also sees an association between a dog’s or cat’s obesity and an increased risk for the following:

Chronic, low-grade inflammation induced by chemical mediators that are released from fat cells links obesity to disease. If your pet has an overabundance of fat cells, their inflammation increases.

Q: What causes pet obesity?

A: If your pet is overweight, our veterinary team may recommend tests to rule out an underlying medical issue and check for conditions that are frequently associated with obesity. Pet obesity’s causes are complex and include the following contributing factors:

  • Overfeeding — Some pets become overweight because they eat more calories than they need to maintain their activity level.
  • Lifestyle — Highly active dogs and cats who spend some time outdoors are less likely to gain weight than inactive dogs and cats who remain indoors.
  • Genetics — Your pet’s breed and their individual genetics can have an effect on their weight gain. For example, Labrador retrievers, pugs, and bulldogs seem to gain weight more easily than other breeds.
  • Medical conditions — Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease or Cushing’s disease, may result in weight gain or difficulty with trying to lose weight.
  • Medications — Steroids and seizure medications are notorious for causing pets’ muscle loss and fat gain. 

Q: Should I cut back on my pet’s food to encourage weight loss?

A: Reducing your pet’s caloric intake is an important weight loss strategy. If you are overfeeding your dog or cat because you have not been measuring their food portions, reducing and feeding a more consistent amount may help your pet lose weight. However, although cutting back on your pet’s food portions reduces their calorie intake, doing so may also reduce the amount of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, they need for optimal health. For pets who need to reduce their calorie intake significantly, we often recommend switching to a specially formulated weight loss diet that ensures their nutritional needs remain balanced during weight loss efforts. Our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team can recommend the diet that is right for your pet.

Q: What role does exercise play in pet weight loss?

A: Increasing your pet’s exercise and movement can help them lose weight. If your pet is not accustomed to being active, you should start gradually. Overweight pets may be more susceptible to heatstroke, so avoid exercising outside in hot weather. Start with a short, brisk daily walk and increase the distance or frequency as your dog’s endurance improves. For pets with significant arthritis and mobility problems, consider working with a pet rehabilitation or swim therapy facility to provide low-impact and joint-friendly exercise. For cats, implement active daily play sessions by encouraging them with toys and a puzzle feeder.

Q: How often should I weigh my pet to assess their weight loss progress?

A: When our veterinary team prescribes a weight loss program for your pet, we recommend monthly weigh-ins. If your pet is small, you can weigh them at home. If you have a large dog, bring them to our clinic for weigh-ins. We typically aim for a 1% to 3% body weight loss and no more than 5% loss per month. If your pet isn’t losing weight or is losing too quickly, our team will adjust your pet’s weight loss plan.

By keeping your pet at a lean, healthy weight, you help lower their obesity-associated health problem risk. To learn whether your pet is overweight or to initiate their weight loss program, schedule an appointment with our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team.