Your pet’s weight plays a critical role in their overall health and longevity. Unfortunately, more than half of U.S. pets are overweight—meaning more than 50 million dogs and 56 million cats may be suffering from preventable pain and disease, which can lead to a shortened life span. If your pet has a weight issue, acknowledge their condition, and seize this opportunity to take action. Check out our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team’s guide to determine if your pet is overweight, and discover life-saving solutions.

Why do pets become overweight?

Animals in the wild do not become overweight. So, why do so many domestic pets struggle with this health condition? As with human obesity, many factors influence weight gain—including food, exercise, and genetics:

  • Food — Pet owners love to spoil their animal companions, especially with food, which is the most common way humans express their love for their cats and dogs. A pocketful of kibble at the ready is convenient, and your pet is always ready for a tasty morsel. Treats, table scraps, chews, and food-filled toys help you forge a bond with your pet, and reinforce or teach good behavior, and when your pet is happy, you are happy. However, as your devotion to your pet increases, so do the calories they are gobbling down, and rather than helping your pet work off those increasing pounds, you are likely decreasing their daily physical activity. 
  • Exercise — Compared with your pet’s ancestors, your dog or cat lives an increasingly sedentary life—often spending long periods doing little to no physical activity. According to limited research and dog owner surveys, an estimated 40% of dog owners never walk their pooch. 
  • Genetics — Your pet’s health conditions and breed history may predispose them to weight gain. Your veterinarian should evaluate your overweight pet for thyroid- and endocrine-related diseases that may perpetuate weight gain. Obesity-prone dog breeds include Labrador and golden retrievers, beagles, cocker spaniels, and toy breeds. Mixed-breed cats are more likely to be overweight than purebred cats.

Weighing in—overweight pet health risks

Overweight pets generally live shorter lives when compared with healthy weight pets. In a canine study, overweight dogs’ life spans were on average two-and-a-half years shorter than dogs who were at a healthy weight. Weight-related chronic health problems are the likely cause for shortening overweight and obese pets’ lives. Overweight and obese pets are at an increased risk for life-altering health conditions and complications, including:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Orthopedic injuries
  • Respiratory issues
  • Kidney failure
  • Fatty liver disease (i.e., hepatic lipidosis) in cats
  • Skin problems
  • Heatstroke
  • Delayed healing
  • Reduced immune function
  • Surgery- or anesthesia-related complications

Your pet does not have to carry their excess weight for the rest of their life. You can help successfully restore your pet’s health, comfort, and happiness through dedication, proper nutrition, and safe, consistent physical activity.

Fit fur life—how a healthy weight helps your pet live longer

When your pet is a healthy weight, the benefits surpass a smaller collar or harness size. In addition to reducing your pet’s risk for the obesity-related conditions described above, pets who maintain a lean body weight enjoy: 

  • Improved mobility 
  • Reduced injury risk 
  • Better cardiovascular health 
  • A stronger immune system

Physically fit pets also enjoy mental health benefits. Exercise releases healthy endorphins that boost your pet’s mood, improve sleep, and reduce undesirable habits such as overeating, begging, and destructive behavior. As your pet becomes healthier and more active, you and your pet will enjoy a stronger bond—and, ideally, a long-lasting one. According to a 14-year landmark study by Purina, lean-fed (i.e., portion-controlled) dogs lived 15% longer than pets who were allowed to eat as much as they wanted. 

Fewer calories, more life—a good deal for everyone.

The right fit—how to determine your pet’s body condition score

The first step in helping your pet go from fluffy to fit is to determine their starting point. While your pet’s body weight is a helpful data point, their body condition score (BCS) provides a more accurate assessment of their overall body fat.

A pet’s BCS  is similar to a human’s body mass index (BMI). You can assess your pet’s BCS by performing four easy steps.

  1. Waist — With your pet in a standing position, you should be able to see a defined waist between their last rib and their hips. If your pet has a heavy coat, use your hands to smooth the hair flat.
  2. Tuck up — Observe your pet from the side. They should have a visible tuck or upward slope from their last rib to their abdomen, with no roundness or bulging.
  3. Ribs — You should easily feel your pet’s ribs under a slight fat covering. You should not have to apply pressure or push in with your fingertips. An overweight pet has excess fat tissue along the ribs, which feels similar to your palm’s fleshy parts. 
  4. Compare — Compare your findings with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s Body Condition Score chart for dogs or cats. Schedule an appointment with our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team if your pet’s score is higher than a 5 or 6.

From overweight to ideal—your pet’s health transformation

Your pet’s weight does not have to limit their quality of life. Our veterinary team can equip you with the tools, knowledge, and support you both need, including:

  • Health assessment — Your veterinarian will perform your pet’s examination to rule out health conditions that may be causing your animal companion’s weight gain or preventing weight loss.
  • Goal setting — Your veterinarian will set your pet’s target or ideal weight, and recommend a timeline for safe weight loss.
  • Nutritional counseling — Your veterinarian will suggest your pet’s appropriate food selection and portion recommendations.
  • Exercise guidance — Your veterinarian will recommend low-impact activity options to help motivate your pet to get moving and burn calories.
  • Ongoing support  — Your veterinarian will review your pet’s progress each month, and make recommendations to help overcome weight-loss plateaus.

Your pet relies on you to make wise decisions about their safety and health—including their weight. Show your pet that you care—while keeping the treat jar closed—and schedule an appointment with our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team.