Preventing pet obesity

October 14 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day! It’s the perfect opportunity to share tips on how to tell if your pet is overweight, and how to get them back on track with a healthy diet and exercise.

Why is pet obesity awareness important?

Pet obesity is a serious problem that can potentially lead to a variety of health issues in pets, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer, among others. Extra weight can also put more stress on our pets’ joints and organs, reduce their life expectancy and impact their quality of life. If your pet is overweight, they may become tired more often and struggle to play or exercise.

How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

Many pet owners are surprised to learn what is considered an ideal weight and physique for their pet. This varies between different breeds, so check with your vet for information specific to your pet.

One simple way to check if your pet is overweight is to see if you can feel their ribs through their coat. If you can’t feel their ribs, they may be overweight. Other signs that your pet may be heavier than they should is if they are lacking energy and seem reluctant to jump, run or play.

How can I prevent my pet from becoming obese?

There are lots of ways to prevent our pets from becoming obese, or to help them lose a few of those extra kilos.

Diet

Diet plays a crucial part in weight loss (and weight gain). It’s recommended to give pets a measured amount of food at regular meal times to ensure they aren’t overeating and their food intake is consistent. Premium-quality commercial pet food should meet the nutritional needs of most pets, but ask your vet whether it’s right for your pet. Follow the packaging instructions as a feeding guide.  

Although it can be tempting to give our pets lots of treats, these should be given in moderation. Foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar should be avoided. There are times when we may need to give our pets more treats than usual, for example, when we’re using them as a reward during positive-reinforcement training. A trick for this is to set aside a portion of your pet’s regular meal to use as treats.

Exercise

Daily exercise can help our pets reach and maintain a healthy weight. Walking dogs is a great form of exercise and has the added benefit of mental stimulation from all the new scents. For cats, try enticing them to play and chase with a dangly wand toy or laser pointer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Where can I go for more information?

Overall, remember that healthy eating and regular exercise are just as important for our pets as they are for us. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s weight, contact your vet or make an appointment with the caring team at our Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic.