Surveys and studies in recent years have shown that more than half U.S. pets are considered overweight or obese. The studies also found links between excess weight and certain health conditions, which puts these pets at greater risk for disease and a shortened lifespan. The Bartow Animal Clinic team wants your furry pal to remain healthy and by your side as long as possible, so we bring you the skinny on pet obesity and weight management. Here are the answers to your most frequently asked pet weight-related questions.

Question: What is pet obesity?

Answer: Overweight and obese pets have excess body fat according to a body condition scoring (BCS) system. Veterinarians use physical examination techniques to determine a pet’s estimated ideal weight and decide whether their body fat level is unhealthy. Overweight pets are slightly above their ideal weight, while obese pets have extreme body fat amounts. According to surveys of pet owners and veterinarians, at least half U.S.-owned pets are overweight or obese.

Q: How do veterinarians assess a pet’s weight?

A: Pets vary greatly in frame size and shape, so charts and graphs estimating weight according to breed or height are inaccurate. Instead, veterinarians assess a pet’s weight with a BCS system where predefined scales score your pet ranging from one through five or one through nine. Emaciated and underweight pets are at the low end of the range, ideal-weight pets are in the middle, and overweight or obese pets are at the high end. To assess body condition, veterinarians also note your pet’s appearance and examine body areas, including the ribs, hips, and abdomen, to estimate fat stores.

Q: What are the health risks associated with pet obesity?

A: Overweight and obese pets are at higher risk for developing several health conditions. Researchers believe the risk is related to chemical signals called adipokines, which originate from fat tissues and create mild inflammation throughout the body that can slowly damage tissues and organs. Diseases associated with pet obesity include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Certain cancers
  • Urinary tract disorders in cats 

Q: Can cutting back on my pet’s food help with their weight problem?

A: If your pet is overweight, proper nutrition can help them reach a healthier goal, but simply cutting back on their existing food isn’t always the best solution. If you’ve been unwittingly overfeeding, accurately measuring or cutting their food amount slightly can help. In most cases, however, you’d have to reduce your pet’s food amount so much that their diet would not provide enough vitamins or minerals. Rather, we recommend switching to a special diet—for example, a diet that is higher in fiber, lower in fat, lower in calories, or lower in carbohydrates, but packed with other nutrients. Ask our team to recommend your pet’s best weight management diet, which varies from pet to pet.

Q: How does exercise contribute to pet weight management?

A: Exercise combined with diet can help not only reduce weight but also improve muscle strength and joint health, which are often compromised in overweight pets. Exercise also stimulates your pet’s brain and provides an outlet for pent-up energy. Start slowly with short, frequent exercise bursts and work up as your furry pal’s endurance improves. Low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, are best for most pets.

Q: How do I get my cat to exercise?

A: Unless your cat is trained to leash walk, expecting them to exercise can be tough. For cats, we recommend daily play sessions, interactive toys, or motivating food puzzles. Cats enjoy “hunting” for their food and will appreciate a good household scavenger hunt or food-filled ball that increases their daily movement. A safe, enclosed outdoor area or cat shelves and catwalks added along walls can also encourage more movement.

Q: How can I help my pet who finds exercise dangerous and difficult?

A: Severely obese pets or those with significant joint disease may struggle to exercise because of their pain and low endurance. These pets are also at high heatstroke risk and should not be pushed too hard to exercise. We recommend that you consult with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist, who can work with you and your pet to develop a program that improves joint health and reduces weight safely.

Your pet’s weight can significantly impact their health and longevity, but weight control is not always easy. However, our Bartow Animal Clinic team is dedicated to helping you find the right nutrition and exercise program that will keep your pet in tip-top shape. Contact us to schedule a weight management consultation or to learn more about our nutrition services and recommendations.