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your pets are our interest!
We welcome you to browse our web site and email or call us with your questions.
If you have an emergency with your pet, please contact your local veterinarian immediately!
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OBESITY
Amy B. Worell, DVM, ABVP-Avian
How can I tell if my pet is overweight?
Overweight pets have increased amounts of fat over the ribs, and minimal or absent waist and tuck-up. Obese pets have heavy fat over the ribs, along the spine, and around the tail. Morbidly fat pets have protruding abdomens and fat deposits throughout their bodies.
On average 47% of pet patients are overweight, which is defined as 20% over the ideal body weight. As in people, some pets are big-boned and some are fine-boned. Checking several areas on your pet can give us a more accurate body condition reading. The ideal body condition is when your pet's ribs are easily felt and should only have a thin layer of fat covering them. Additionally, the belly area between the ribcage and the rear end should be discernible without being prominent.
Health Risks for overweight pets?
As in people, pets carrying extra pounds of weight places extra demands on virtually all body organs. When we overload these organs, disease and sometimes death are the consequences. The health risks to overweight pets are serious and every pet owner should be aware of them. Some health risks include:
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Diabetes |
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Heat Intolerance |
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Digestive Disorders |
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Heart Disease |
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Difficulty Breathing |
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Increased Blood Pressure |
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Skin/Hair Coat Problems |
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Increased Surgical and Anesthetic Risk |
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Joint, Bone, and Ligament Damage |
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Decreased Liver Function |
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Increased Risk of Cancer |
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Decreased Quality and Length of Life |
Ways to help prevent obesity.
Preventing your pet from becoming overweight is easier than taking off the excess weight once it is there. These guidelines should be followed:
- Exercise is very important. Some benefits to exercise include burning calories, strengthening respiratory and circulatory systems, helping oxygenate tissue cells, keeping muscles toned and joints flexible, releasing energy, aiding digestion, relieving boredom, and keeping the mind active.
- Choosing the correct type and amount of food. Pets need different types and amounts of food during their life stages. Generally, younger animals require more energy, protein, and minerals than older animals. Some pets regulate their intake well, while others eat anything in sight. It is best to provide food as "meals" rather than having a food bowl filled with food at all times. This makes it easier to monitor intake, especially in a multiple pet household to ensure that each pet is eating the appropriate food.
- Regularly monitor your pet's weight. It is hard to notice small weight gains in your pet. By routinely weighing your pet, you will be able to notice a weight increase (or decrease) before it becomes a serious problem.
- Limit or eliminate treats and table scraps. The extra calories and decreased nutritional value of treats and table scraps are often the biggest offenders when it comes to weight control. Most pets would rather have your attention than a treat. Spending extra time playing or grooming your pet will probably give you both more satisfaction than a treat. If you must give treats, try celery, carrots or green beans.
- Treat any contributing factors or diseases. There are medical conditions which can contribute to obesity. Many of these conditions can be treated. If your pet has an unexplained increase in appetite or weight, your pet should be examined by your veterinarian to be sure there is not a disease process causing the problem.
Helping the already obese pet:
- Have your pet examined by your veterinarian. A diagnostic workup including blood and X-Rays may be recommended.
- Start on a reduced formula diet. (Such as Hill's Prescription Diet R/D)
- Increase exercise each day.
- Available in spring there will be an oral liquid supplement called “Slentrol” for dogs to help with weight control.
APMC's Links to other
Animal and Avian Websites
The Morris Animal Foundation
Pet Bird FAQ's
The Pet Bird Page (Parrots)
Electronic Zoo Home Page
Ferret Central
House Rabbit Society Home Page and Rabbit Care Guide
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