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Obesity and Your Pet

by Dr. Dawn Bookmyer, DVM

My client put her 5 year old Shih Tzu on the exam room table and said a little sheepishly, “I think Khan has gained a few pounds.”

A quick trip to the scales confirmed what my client suspected and what was plainly visible to me at a glance: Khan had gained a significant amount of weight in the past year.

My client seemed embarrassed by this development, but I assured her that she is not the only pet owner facing this problem. Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in both dogs and cats. It is estimated that nearly one out of four American pets is overweight.

We see our pets every day, so it’s sometimes hard to see the extra pounds creeping on. Here are a few easy tips for gauging your pet’s physique:

Run your hands down your pet’s sides. You should be able to feel the ribs easily, but not see them.
Look down at your pet – there should be a clearly defined waist.
The abdomen should be tucked up, not drooping.

As in humans, obesity in pets can lead to serious health problems. Heart disease, respiratory ailments, skin problems, arthritis, ruptured ligaments, slipped discs and diabetes are just a few health conditions that can be caused by, or exacerbated by, obesity.

Although eliminating treats and table scraps is sometimes enough to control your pet’s weight, your veterinarian may recommend that you switch to a low calorie food. There are countless brands of low calorie food available, so let your vet help you pick the right one.

Your vet may also suggest decreasing your pet’s food intake by dispensing carefully measured portions. Many pets cannot be fed by the “free choice” method as they will overeat and gain weight. Here are some other tips you may find useful:

In a multi-pet household, you may need to separate your pets at feeding time, so that the dieting pet can’t eat the other’s food.
When the family is eating, you may need to put your dieting pet in another room to avoid begging.
Instead of using treats to reward your pet or to demonstrate your affection, take your pet for a walk, play a game or spend some time grooming.
Ask your vet about low calorie treats, including fruits and vegetables, rice cakes or unsalted popcorn.

If your vet gives your pet a clean bill of health, begin a gradual increase in exercise. Most pets enjoy playing and love the extra attention that comes from a game of Frisbee or a long walk. For cats, try playing games that involve chasing a string, feather or other toy.

Above all else, be patient. As many of us know from personal experience, weight loss takes time and commitment. With a little effort, your pet will reward you with a svelte new figure and renewed vigor.