You love your pet, but if you express this emotion by giving them food, such as table scraps or extra treats, you could be putting your furry pal’s health at risk. Resisting those adorable, pleading eyes while you eat can be difficult, but ignoring your pet’s begging is the most loving response you can give. For decades, people’s obesity has been a major health issue, and the condition is now becoming increasingly common in pets. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimates that nearly 54% of U.S. cats and dogs are overweight or obese. A variety of factors contribute to this issue, and our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team wants to increase your awareness about this condition, which you can help your pet avoid. We’re answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pet obesity and weight management to help you identify, achieve, and maintain your pet’s ideal weight.  

Question: What’s the big deal if my pet is slightly overweight?

Answer: No matter the amount of excess weight your pet carries, even slightly overweight pets are at an increased risk for myriad health issues that can impact their quality of life and shorten their life span by about two years compared with healthy weight pets. The more overweight your pet becomes, the higher their disease risk. Pets’ weight-related adverse health conditions include:

  • Arthritis 
  • Cardiovascular issues 
  • Endocrine disorders 
  • Diabetes 
  • Cancer
  • Respiratory issues 
  • Skin infections

Q: My pet doesn’t look overweight, so why should I worry?

A: Pet owners often have difficulty recognizing when their pet is overweight. Your pet’s body shape, fur, and hair volume can mask weight changes, and because you see your pet every day, you may not notice gradual weight gain. Pets on television and in movies often carry a few extra pounds, and chubby pets are considered cute on social media, further distorting our perception of how a pet at a healthy weight should look. 

Q: How do I know if my pet’s weight is healthy?

A: Determining if your pet’s weight is healthy requires more than reading a number on the scale. At your pet’s annual or biannual wellness exam, our Creature Comfort Veterinary Service team assesses your furry pal’s weight and looks for health condition signs that may be contributing to their weight gain. At home, you can determine your pet’s body condition score (BCS), a quantitative fat accumulation assessment, which rates your pet’s body condition on a scale from one (i.e., emaciated) to nine (i.e., obese). To determine your pet’s BCS, palpate their ribs and observe your furry pal from above and the side, considering the following:

  • Rib check — You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily when you place your hands on their sides, but the ribs shouldn’t be visible.
  • Hourglass figure — When you look at your pet from above, you should see a narrowing at their waist behind the ribs.
  • Tuck up — When you view your pet from the side, their belly should tuck up, not hang down.

Q: How can I help my pet lose weight?

A: If your pet’s BCS indicates they are overweight or obese, schedule a visit with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team so we can examine your furry pal to rule out an underlying health condition. Together, we can determine a reasonable weight loss rate and make adjustments to your pet’s diet, activity, and lifestyle to support their weight loss journey. To support your pet’s weight loss at home, follow these tips:  

  • Feed your pet the appropriate amount — Often, the recommended feeding amount on your pet’s food package is too high. Rather than follow those guidelines, calculate your pet’s daily caloric needs. Then determine the number of calories that a serving of your pet’s food should include. Calculate the portion size your pet needs for each meal to keep within their daily calorie allotment. Treats should make up only 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake. 
  • Ditch the food dish — Pets are more satisfied when they eat slowly. Replace your pet’s regular food bowl with a slow-feeder bowl or interactive food-dispensing toy. 
  • Make exercise a part of your routine — By ensuring your pet receives adequate daily exercise, you help maintain their muscle mass and support their cardiovascular health and metabolic function. 

Q: What are some healthy treats I can give my pet?

A: Commercial treats are usually high in fat and calories. Rather than give your pet commercial treats, offer them these healthy options:

  • Broccoli
  • Baby carrots
  • Squash
  • Green beans
  • Berries
  • Melon
  • Apples
  • Lean meats (e.g., chicken breast, turkey, salmon)

The best way to show your pet how much you love them is by managing their weight and health. Find out if your pet’s weight is healthy by scheduling their nutritional consultation with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team.