What are the Risks Associated With Pet Obesity?

With pet obesity on the rise, pet parents are concerned about the health of their furry companions, and rightly so. Obesity is a serious condition that adversely affects your pet’s daily activities and life expectancy. Fortunately, it can be managed with the right care and guidance from a veterinarian. 

If you’re concerned about your pet gaining weight, keep a close eye on the scale. Animals weighing 10 to 30% heavier than their ideal body weight are likely to become obese. 

This article outlines the signs of obesity in pets, its causes, health concerns, and more. Being equipped with the right knowledge can help you make well-informed decisions.

What are the Signs of Obesity?

While the best way to confirm if your pet is overweight is to have it examined by a vet, there are a few telltale signs you should keep an eye out for:

• Belly bulge
• Extra skin and fur around the face
• Difficulty in movement and self-grooming
• Unable to feel the ribcage easily
• Wide back and sides 

As pet parents, it is crucial to recognize these signs and get your pet timely treatment. Overweight pets tend to live shorter lives than their healthier counterparts. Being vigilant and apprehending the problem in time will ensure your pet meets the ideal body weight. You can do that by learning the potential causes of obesity.

What are the Causes of Obesity?

Your pet’s age, size, and breed are all factors that impact its health. While it all comes down to an excessive intake of calories, there are a few common causes that lead to obesity:

• The most prevalent culprit behind an obese pet is overfeeding. Giving bigger portions, high-calorie meals, and too many treats are all examples of overfeeding. This is easily controllable as you can limit the number of treats given and offer a well-balanced diet to your pet.
• Lack of physical activity can cause obesity. Keep your pet stimulated and engaged in physical play. 
• Age is also a big factor influencing your pet’s weight and overall health. Aging reduces physical activity, slows down metabolism, and comes with other health concerns like arthritis. 
• Diseases are a big concern. Health problems like hypothyroidism, insulinoma, and hyperadrenocorticism can all lead to excessive weight gain. It is important to schedule routine checkups with your vet, especially if you suspect your pet might have an issue. 

If your veterinarian has ruled out any of the above-mentioned health concerns, the real problem is your pet’s lifestyle. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise can lead to an alarming increase in weight. Besides disrupting your pet’s daily activities and movement, being overweight or obese leads to many serious health conditions. 

What are the Dangers of Pet Obesity?

Obesity is a grave medical condition that greatly affects your pet’s health. Below we have shared a list of diseases that arise from being obese: 

Osteoarthritis:

An increase in weight causes strain on your pet’s joints. Excessive pressure results in the cartilage breaking down. As a result, your pet develops arthritis. Pain medications and weight loss are required to treat this condition.   

Diabetes

Obesity often leads to diabetes, which can be fatal if not treated properly. That is because overweight pets develop insulin resistance, resulting in a shorter lifespan. You can prevent that by controlling your pet’s weight through proper nutrition and exercise. 

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a result of excess weight in cats and dogs. High blood pressure can cause serious afflictions like kidney disease and heart problems. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as high blood pressure can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. 

With the right treatment, this condition can be managed to ensure a healthy life for your pet. Though there’s no clear explanation for linking obesity with hypertension and issues like kidney disease, losing weight is considered one of the best treatments. 

Respiratory Issues

The build-up of fat tissue, especially around the chest cavity and abdomen, causes difficulty in breathing. This leads to fatigue and hinders movement, further exacerbating the issue of obesity.

Cancer

Studies have established links between cancer and obesity. It is believed that pets that are obese are at a higher risk of suffering from 13 different types of cancer. 

ACL Tears 

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments are a significant part of maintaining the quality of life. These ligaments are tissues that help bind the bones above and below the knee to ensure a hinged, properly functioning joint. Obesity ruptures these ligaments, affecting mobility. 

Skin problems 

Weight gain results in excess skin. As extra skin folds are formed, skin infections may happen due to bacteria building up within the folds.

Fortunately, most of the risks associated with obesity can be prevented and remedied at home with a simple shift in lifestyle.  It is important to connect with a vet for guidance and give your pet a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise. 

Follow the tips below to balance calorie consumption with physical activity. Make sure to consult with your vet for recommendations best suited to your pet’s health.  

Tips for Prevention and Weight Loss

• Increase their physical activity. A simple 30-minute walk or interactive toys can help. 
• Limit portion sizes and feeding frequency until your pet returns to its ideal weight. Speak to a vet before doing so. Refrain from overfeeding and limit the snacks to only about 10% of your pet’s total daily calorie intake. 
• Feed a well-balanced, nutritional diet. Consult your vet regarding the best-suited options. 
• Don’t rush. Losing excess weight requires patience and perseverance. Get in touch with your vet about the pace you need to set for weight loss, including exercise and diet changes. 
• Make exercise more entertaining by playing with your pet or introducing toys. 
• Set regular meal times. Training your pet to receive food at specific times can help reduce their food consumption. 
• Distract and redirect your pet’s attention every time they ask for treats. Offer a toy or go for a walk instead. 
• Record progress and always follow your veterinarian’s advice. Knowing if the lifestyle changes are working and the progress rate can help you and your vet offer relief to your pet.

Remember that weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, and the best way to ensure health and longevity for your pet is to make regular visits to the vet. The epidemic of obesity is concerning; however, it is controllable with nutritional changes and physical activity. If your vet has ruled out any medical cause behind your pet’s weight gain, drafting a plan for weight loss can help treat this condition.