Weight issues are a major problem in today's society, affecting both human and pet health. Being overweight can reduce lifespan and lower quality of life.
Being overweight can also have a significant impact on the function of many organs, especially the heart, liver, and pancreas. It can also lead to metabolic problems such as diabetes.
Is my pet overweight?
The easiest way to find out if your pet's weight is ideal is to give it a body condition rating. A body condition rating is achieved by feeling your pet's ribs with both hands. The rating ranges from 1 (very thin, ribs are clearly visible, no fat), 3 (normal healthy pet, ribs can be felt, but no obvious fat), to 5 (overweight, obvious fat, no prominent ribs can be felt).
Different breeds of pets have different weight standards, so the body condition score does not measure whether a pet is overweight.
Once you've determined whether your pet is overweight or underweight, you can record its weight changes to see if altering its lifestyle and diet will help.
Okay, my pet is overweight - what should I do?
After a body condition assessment, you'll know if your pet is overweight or underweight. Then, you can develop a new diet and lifestyle plan based on its condition. The first step is to assess their eating habits. Are they eating healthily? Is the food of good quality? Is the food suitable for their age and breed? Are the portions correct? Pet food packaging usually has feeding guidelines printed on the back to help owners determine their pet's daily calorie needs. Owners should also remember to include any food they've eaten and any treats they've received.
As veterinarians, we know that the first step in weight loss is to pay attention to calorie intake. Eating too much or burning too little will lead to gradual weight gain. Many pets, especially cats, don't have easy access to exercise, so improving their food and eating habits can make weight loss much easier.
Just like with people, there are no shortcuts or magic pills to weight loss; true weight control comes from managing calorie intake. If you think your pet is overweight, we recommend feeding them a bland diet. If their obesity is more severe, we suggest switching to a veterinarian-prescribed diet. Another great option is to add some cooked vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, squash, or cauliflower, but only in small amounts at a time to avoid upset their stomach.
Before changing your pet's diet or starting an exercise program, we recommend taking them to a veterinarian for a checkup. This is because some weight gain can be caused by hormonal changes, including common hormonal issues in dogs such as thyroid problems and Cushing's disease.
The importance of exercise
As mentioned above, exercise, especially for dogs, is an important part of weight loss. Increase exercise gradually, about 10 % per week. Be careful when developing an exercise plan, especially for large dogs. We recommend starting with gentle, slow exercises such as running, swimming, and playing ball. These gentle, slow exercises are good for burning fat and also enhance the bond between owner and pet.
What if my pet is too light?
Overweight pets are more common than underweight pets. We recommend that owners first check their pet's daily calorie intake and make adjustments accordingly. If the weight problem doesn't improve after adjustments, it could be a health warning sign. Some issues might be minor, such as intestinal parasites, while others could be more serious, such as kidney disease or thyroid problems. If you believe your pet is underweight, we strongly recommend taking it to a veterinarian for a checkup.
