Did you know that over half of domestic dogs and cats are overweight or obese? Obesity is a huge issue for our animal companions, but it is often overlooked. Fluffy and Fido are of course still adorable, even if they are slightly overweight. However, the extra pounds come at a great cost. Continue reading to get more information on pet obesity from a local Gaithersburg, MD veterinarian.

Which Dogs Are Prone To Obesity?

It’s generally reasonable to assume that all of our canine companions appreciate food and treats. Fido will not turn his cute nose up at a slice of bacon, and he will gladly take one for the team if you drop a burger or meatball on the ground. Obesity can affect any dog, but certain breeds are predisposed to it more than others.

What are some chubby pups? That list would include the Labrador Retriever, Pug, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Basset Hound, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rottweiler, Border Terrier, Boxer, German Shepherd, Scotch Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Newfoundland, Shih Tzu, Bichon frisé, Border Collie, Saint Bernard, and West Highland White Terrier.

How Do I Determine Whether My Dog Is Obese?

In some cases, it’s rather simple to assess whether Fido is overweight. If your dog looks like a potato with ears, legs, and a tail attached, he could be a chonker! Of course, determining obesity in fluffy or otherwise heavy-set canines is not as easy.

A pet is termed overweight if it weighs more than 10% of its optimal body weight, and obese if it is more than 20% overweight.

The optimal body weight for your furry buddy will vary depending on its breed. There is a lot of variety here. A male Newfoundland can weigh up to 180 pounds, whereas a Chihuahua can weigh as little as 6 pounds. If your dog is a purebred, you can check out the breed standards.

Of course, many dogs—including the vast majority of our patients—are mutts. Body weight score charts can be a good indicator. The ‘rib’ test can tell you if your furry friend is too big, too small, or just right. Try to feel your pet’s ribs. If you can feel them behind a thin layer of muscle and fat, your four-legged friend is probably within a healthy range. If you can’t feel them at all, your pet is probably overweight. Of course, your Gaithersburg, MD veterinarian will be the ultimate authority.

Which Cat Breeds Are Most Prone To Obesity?

Breed won’t play as much of a role here for cats as it does for dogs. mixed-breed cats are more common. Cat breeds also in general have less variation in size than dogs. There are a few outliers here. The Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat are notably larger than most of their smaller equivalents. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the aptly-named Munchkin cat is quite small.

That being said, here’s a list of chubby cats.

• Ragdoll 
• Birman 
• Sphynx
• Maine Coon
• British Shorthair
• American Shorthair
• Exotic Shorthair
• Norwegian Forest Cat

What Are the Health Risks of Obesity?

Extra weight can create a variety of health concerns in pets, just as it can in humans. While it may be easy to poke fun at chubby pets, these medical issues are anything but amusing. 

Here are some of the primary concerns:

• Skin Issues
• Respiratory Problems
• Heat Intolerance
• Osteoarthritis
• Heart Disease
• Reproductive Issues
• Diabetes
• Liver Problems
• Kidney Issues
• Compromised Immune Function
• Kidney Dysfunction
• Metabolic Problems
• Endocrine Issues
• Pancreatitis
• Decreased Life Expectancy

To make matters worse, obesity often leads to downward spirals. As pets acquire weight, it becomes more difficult for them to engage in physical activity. They will continue to gain as their physical activity levels drop. 

Ask your Clarksburg, MD vet for specific advice on your pet’s exercise needs.

What Can I Do To Help My Pet Lose Weight?

There is good and bad news concerning this one. The good news is that you can easily monitor your pet’s calorie intake and exercise routine. You want your veterinarian to provide you good, specialized advice. Determine how much food and exercise your pet requires. Fido and Fluffy can’t even get a snack from the fridge or order pizza! They can, however, overwhelm you with somber looks and other tactics. You may need to steel yourself against that adorable ‘please feed me’ look … especially if your furball is turning into a butterball!

Portion control is key here. Even feeding your pet a few extra calories per day can result in weight gain.

Finally, limit the amount of treats you give your animal pet. It’s okay to give Fluffy and Fido snacks, but limit treats to roughly 5% of your pet’s daily caloric intake. Don’t be fooled by her pretty face!

Follow your Gaithersburg, MD vet’s advice on your pet’s diet and care needs. Also, remember that pets must lose weight slowly in order to do so safely.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Gaithersburg, MD Animal Clinic

Have you got any questions about your pet’s diet or care? Please contact us, your Gaithersburg, MD veterinary hospital. We are here to assist!