Did you know that more than 50% of domestic dogs and cats are overweight or obese? Obesity is a major issue for our animal companions, yet it is not often taken as seriously as it should be. Fluffy and Fido are charming, even if they are slightly overweight. However, those extra pounds come at a high price. Continue reading to learn more about pet obesity from a local London, ON veterinarian.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Obesity?

It is generally safe to say that all of our canine companions enjoy food and treats. Fido won’t turn his cute nose up at a slice of bacon, and he won’t hesitate to take one for the team if you drop a burger or meatball on the ground. Obesity can affect any dog, but particular breeds are more prone to it.

The list of chubby pups is as follows:

• Labrador Retriever
• Pug Beagle
• Golden Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• Dachshund
• Basset Hound
• Bulldog
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Rottweiler
• Border Terrier
• Boxer
• German Shepherd
• Scotch Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Newfoundland
• Shih Tzu
• Bichon frisé.
• Border Collie
• Saint Bernard
• West Highland White Terrier

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Obese?

In some circumstances, it’s simple to discern whether Fido is overweight. If your dog resembles a potato with ears, legs, and a tail attached, he could be a chonker. While it is evident that an exceptionally rotund pup is obese, it is not always so easy to recognize with fluffy or otherwise heavy-set dogs.

In terms of weight, Fido is deemed overweight if he weighs more than 10 percent of his ideal body weight, and is considered obese when he is more than 20% overweight. 

The recommended body weight for your dog will vary depending on the breed. There is a tremendous range here. A Newfoundland male may weigh up to 180 pounds, whilst a Chihuahua may weigh as low as 6 pounds. If your dog is a purebred, you can get the information by researching the breed standards. Of course, many dogs—and the great majority of our patients—are mutts.

There are additional measures you might use to determine whether your pet weighs too much. Body weight score charts can provide you with a good indication.

The ‘rib’ test can help you determine whether your dog is too big, too little, or just right. Try feeling your pet’s ribs. If you can feel them behind a thin layer of muscle and fat, Fido is usually in good form. If they are bulging, your dog may need to acquire weight. If you can’t feel them at all, your pet is likely obese.

Which Cat Breeds Are Most Prone to Obesity?

Breed does not always play as important a role in cat ownership as it does in dog ownership, simply because mixed-breed cats are more common. Cat breeds also have less variance in size than dogs. There are some exceptions here. The Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat are noticeably larger than many of their lesser counterparts. On the other end of the range, the Munchkin cat is extremely little.

That being stated, here is a list of chubby cats.

• British Shorthair
• American Shorthair
• Exotic Shorthair
• Ragdoll
• Birman
• Sphynx
• Maine Coon
• Norwegian Forest Cat

What Are the Risks of Pet Obesity?

Extra weight can create a variety of health issues in pets, just as it does in people.

Here are some of the major concerns:

Skin Problems

Chubby pets are more likely to develop skin folds, which can trap oil, bacteria, filth, and dander. This can cause skin irritation and hair matting in fluffy pets. It can also cause skin infections, which are extremely painful and dangerous. Overweight cats may struggle to groom themselves, which doesn’t help matters, either.

Respiratory Problems

Obese pets have a considerably increased chance of getting respiratory difficulties. If Fido or Fluffy are overweight, their lungs must work harder. This also raises the likelihood of specific complications, such as a collapsing trachea and laryngeal paralysis. Chubby pets also get out of breath easily while running or playing.

Heat Intolerance

When temperatures rise, all pets are susceptible to heat stroke and exhaustion. As a general rule of thumb, if the temperature rises beyond 27C, you should begin taking precautions, such as putting out additional water. Pets that are elderly, overweight, or obese are particularly vulnerable.

Osteoarthritis

This one isn’t that shocking. Extra weight causes more strain on pets’ bones and joints. This increased stress may raise your pet’s risk of developing bone/joint problems, such as osteoarthritis.

• Heart Disease
• Reproductive issues
• Diabetes
• Liver problems 
• Kidney Issues
• Reduced Immunity
• Metabolic and Endocrine Issues
• Pancreatitis 

To make matters worse, obesity can easily turn into a downward spiral. As pets gain weight, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain their physical activity. They will continue to gain weight as their physical activity levels decline.

How Can I Help My Pet Lose Weight?

There is both good and bad news about this one. The good news is that you manage your pet’s caloric intake and exercise regimen. You want to get good, tailored advice from your veterinarian. Find out how much your pet should eat and how much activity they should get. 

You might need to steel yourself against begging tactics. Fido and Fluffy can’t exactly get themselves a snack from the fridge or order pizza! They can, however, bombard you with mournful stares and other techniques. 

Pay attention to portion control. Even giving your pet a few extra calories per day can cause weight gain. It is also crucial to provide your pet with a variety of toys. For dogs, consult your veterinarian for advice on an appropriate doggy workout regimen.

Finally, restrict the number of goodies. It’s fine to offer Fluffy and Fido snacks, but keep treats to about 5% of your pet’s daily caloric consumption.

Book An Appointment At Our London, On Animal Clinic

Have you got any inquiries about your pet’s diet or care? Please contact us, your London, ON pet hospital. We are here to help!