Management of Obesity in Dogs & Cats

By far the most important aspect of a successful weight reduction programme is to convince yourself and all those associated with your pet, the necessity of the programme. Anything short of your total commitment results in frustration, wasted time, effort and money. Management of obesity requires your pet to burn more calories than are eaten. Thus, caloric intake must be reduced and exercise increased. Exercise may be inappropriate for pets in poor health, so consult your veterinarian before starting an exercise programme.

Drugs and hormones are of no benefit in achieving weight loss, unless it has been confirmed that your pet has a thyroid hormone deficiency.

Together with your veterinarian, set a specific goal for weight reduction and estimate the time that will be required to reach that goal. In general, small dogs can be expected to lose 1 lb/week, medium sized dogs-2 lbs/week and large dogs-3 lbs/week. Cats lose weight at a slower rate, usually losing _ lb/week. Most obese pets require 8-12 weeks to reach their ideal weight. Your veterinarian will want to see and weigh your pet at regular intervals during and following the weight reduction programme. The frequency with which obese pets are seen by your veterinarian has a direct relationship to the success of weight reduction.

At home, management of the overweight pet should include the following:

1) Hold a family conference during which you review the contents of this article, the weight-reduction goal and steps necessary to reach that goal. Emphasize the importance of cooperation.
2) Decrease your pets caloric intake by feeding a low calorie, high fiber diet specifically formulated for weight reduction. Divide the total amount of feeds per day into as many meals as possible.
3) Keep your pet out of the room when food is prepared and eaten by the family. Feeding your pet a meal before the family eats helps reduce begging.
4) Do not feed obese pets with other pets.
5) Do not feed anything other than the amount of food prescribed by your veterinarian. It is more humane to withhold food from your pet than to allow him/her to suffer the effects of obesity.
6) Exercise your pet regularly as directed by your veterinarian.
7) Keep a daily record of your pet's weight. Bring this record to all veterinary visits.

Management of Obesity through Food

Feeding less of a commercial diet which is not formulated for weight reduction is not recommended. The reduced food intake wonÕt satisfy your petÕs hunger and it may cause a vitamin, mineral or protein deficiency.

The best diet for reducing weight is a nutritionally complete and balanced, high fiber, low calorie diet. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend to you specially formulated prescription diets that will help your pet lose weight. At the same time this diet, allows your pet to continue eating the same amount of food, having the same feeling of satisfaction and fullness and getting all the nutrients while eating fewer calories.

The saying “Prevention is better than cure” applies in the case of managing obesity as many diseases and conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, arthritis and hip dysplasia can be prevented by ensuring that your dog or cat gets a nutritionally complete, balanced, high fiber and low calorie diet. So please make sure that your pet gets adequate exercise and nutrition. Show your love, care and attention to your pet by ensuring that he/she is healthy, fit and active by spending quality time with your dog or cat to monitor their intake of food, level of exercise and that their weight is normal for their age, breed and size.

Choosing the right pet is the first step towards building a lasting owner-pet bond that is both precious and unique.

Pet owners who wish to know about pets and pet care, please call the customer care line at 03-40432420, visit our website at www.petscorner.com.my or e-mail to customercare@petscorner.com.my.