What Is Obesity?

Obese pets may seem nice to look at and cuddle, but did you know that it is not healthy for your pet and will do him more harm than good when he is overweight. Some of these pets find it difficult to breathe, and they waddle when they walk, sometimes even seem to have a hard time moving. Just like people, excessive weight becomes a problem if left unchecked.

Some people believe they can just cut back on the amount of food they feed their pets, but this is just cutting calories, not guaranteeing optimal nutrition. Always feed the amount recommended by your vet. If your pet loves snacks do not feed him high-calorie fatty foods but give him healthy alternatives for eg. treats.

Obesity is an excess of body fat relative to lean tissue. Many pets are above their ideal weight, and many pet owners do not realize that obesity is a risk factor for many serious diseases. Obesity may increase health risks when an animal's body weight is 15% or more over the ideal. Obese animals are more at risk for heart disease, stressed bones and joints, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, skin disease, and anesthesia and surgical complications.

Animals have excess body fat when ribs are difficult to feel. Cats store most of their fat along their abdomen and in their faces. Dogs store their fat in the chest, back and abdomen.

Is your pet overweight?

To find out if your pet is overweight, try this simple test. First, place your thumbs squarely in the middle of your pet's back and allow your fingers to feel the ribs:

1.- If the ribs are easily felt with a slight layer of muscle and fat in between, your pet is probably at the correct weight.

2. If the ribs are difficult to feel, with a thick layer of fat in between, your pet may be obese.

3. If the ribs cannot be felt and are covered by a thick layer of fat, your pet is probably obese.

The best way to find out if your pet is overweight is with frequent checkups and weigh-ins by your veterinarian. This is important because weight gain can also be the first sign of heart, kidney or glandular disease. If you think your pet is overweight, see your veterinarian immediately.

Factors for weight gain

Overfeeding: Pets may become over-weight when they have unlimited access to the food bowl.

Overfeeding puppies or kittens: Feeding too much at an early age creates fat cells that stay with a pet throughout life.

Overeating: Many commercial foods are high in salt and fat to improve the taste, which results in excess consumption.

Feeding habits: Pets that are fed home-cooked meals, table scraps and treats are prone to weight gain.

Lack of exercise: Weight gain can occur when your pet takes in more calories than it uses.

Age: Older, less active pets are prone to weight gain.

Gender: Female pets are more likely to become overweight than male pets.

Neutering: Pets that have been spayed or neutered are twice as likely to become overweight.

Metabolic disorders: Occasionally pets may suffer from a disorder that leads to excessive weight gain, such as a dysfunction of the thyroid or adrenal glands.

Effects of being overweight The vast majority of research shows that being overweight can shorten the lives of pets as well as people. It can also contribute to many medical problems, including: breathing difficulties, arthrititis, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, increased anesthetic and surgical risks, liver disease, skin disease and high blood pressure.

When your pet reaches its ideal weight, it is on the way to living a happier, healthier and longer life, and it has you to thank!

Remember once your pet achieves its ideal weight, don't allow all that good work to go to waste. Ask your vet about therapeutic diets that are available either to maintain or reduce the weight of your pet, so that he can achieve overall health and be there for you.

The Obese Pet
Obesity should be kept at bay
No matter how your adorable pet will beg
Feed him correct amounts of food
Pampering and overfeeding won't do him any good!