Dog & Cat Obesity: A Growing Problem

According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention (APOP), approximately 60% of cats (56.6 million) and 56% of dogs (50.2 million) in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And despite greater attention to the issue, dog and cat obesity is actually increasing! At All Kinds Veterinary Hospital, obesity is the most common health problem we diagnose in our patients.

If your pet appears to be overweight, we can help! Call (301) 994-9919 today to request a consultation.
CALL US

Secondary Issues that Result from Pet Obesity

When a dog or cat is obese, this opens the door to many other potential health problems, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis/lameness
  • Poor coat and skin condition
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of heat stroke
  • Higher anesthesia/surgical risks
  • High blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
Dog and Cat Obesity in Callaway, MD

A Balanced Diet is Important for Your Dog & Cat

Like humans, dogs and cats need a balanced diet and daily exercise to stay healthy. To understand what type of food and how much will benefit your pet the most, we need to understand your pet. Their age, size, breed, temperament, and environment all play a role in their health. Overfeeding your pet or giving them food that is high in sugars and carbohydrates may likely result in weight gain.

Additional Benefits of a Healthy Pet Weight

In addition to being healthier and more active, pets that are at their ideal weight can also live longer. Purina recently conducted a 14-year study to gauge the effects of diet restriction over the course of a dog’s lifespan. They found that dogs that stay lean are likely to live up to 15% longer, or an additional 1.8 years!

Reducing Dog & Cat Obesity

Easing your pet back to a healthy weight takes time and discipline, but it is achievable, and the results are more than worth it. The key is to help them lose their weight slowly. Tips for improving your pet’s lifestyle include:

  • Meet with your veterinarian to address your pet’s weight issues so you can select a prescription diet and calculate proper portion size to help them achieve their weight loss goals.
  • Instead of giving your pet treats they don’t need, increase their daily playtime or walk them more frequently. They’ll enjoy the exercise and getting to spend quality time with you.
  • Avoid giving your pet handouts from the dinner table. Your pet will quickly come to expect handouts or may be tempted to steal food off the table or out of unknowing hands.
  • Make feeding time a more stimulating activity for your pet. Search the web for pet food puzzles to try or move your pet’s food dish around so they have to walk a little farther to get to it.

If you need help adjusting your pet’s lifestyle or need to discuss changes to their diet, contact us today at (301) 994-9919!