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It is estimated that 30-40% of dogs and cats are
overweight, and a portion of those pets are obese.
While it is true that certain medical conditions such
as hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism can
cause weight gain, most cases of overweight pets
are due to decreased exercise and increased food
intake. Pets that carry excessive weight are
predisposed to many illnesses including arthritis,
diabetes, cruciate ligament tears, reduced life span,
back disorders, tracheal collapse, laryngeal
paralysis, and cardiovascular disorders. While not
directly proven, some doctors believe hormone
changes after neutering can cause animals to gain
weight. Whether or not that is accurate, it is
important to monitor your pet's weight as early as
6-8 months of age.
overweight, and a portion of those pets are obese.
While it is true that certain medical conditions such
as hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism can
cause weight gain, most cases of overweight pets
are due to decreased exercise and increased food
intake. Pets that carry excessive weight are
predisposed to many illnesses including arthritis,
diabetes, cruciate ligament tears, reduced life span,
back disorders, tracheal collapse, laryngeal
paralysis, and cardiovascular disorders. While not
directly proven, some doctors believe hormone
changes after neutering can cause animals to gain
weight. Whether or not that is accurate, it is
important to monitor your pet's weight as early as
6-8 months of age.
Weight Management in Companion Animals
The first step in weight loss is to re-evaluate your
pet's diet. This includes any treats, table food,
rawhide bones, and "medication hiders" (i.e. peanut
butter, cheese, etc. that is used to give daily
medication). It is an eye-opener when you realize that
some dog biscuits have several hundred calories per
biscuit! It is generally recommended that during the
time you are trying to have your pet lose weight, there
are no treats or table food given. If you have to give
daily medication hidden in a treat, try a canned form
of a reduced calorie diet. When your pet does
achieve the desired weight and it is a must to give
table food, give vegetables such as carrots, green
beans, etc, and stay away from meats and very
starchy veggies such as potatoes. Of course it is
highly recommended no table food is given at all!
pet's diet. This includes any treats, table food,
rawhide bones, and "medication hiders" (i.e. peanut
butter, cheese, etc. that is used to give daily
medication). It is an eye-opener when you realize that
some dog biscuits have several hundred calories per
biscuit! It is generally recommended that during the
time you are trying to have your pet lose weight, there
are no treats or table food given. If you have to give
daily medication hidden in a treat, try a canned form
of a reduced calorie diet. When your pet does
achieve the desired weight and it is a must to give
table food, give vegetables such as carrots, green
beans, etc, and stay away from meats and very
starchy veggies such as potatoes. Of course it is
highly recommended no table food is given at all!
There are many diets available that market for weight loss. As long as your pet is
on a well balanced diet recommended by your veterinarian, you may not have to
put your pet on a special food. Also, if your pet is on a prescribed diet for joint,
cardiac, kidney, or liver disease, do not change diets unless instructed by your vet.
Most premium pet diets have a chart on the bag that is a guideline for owners on
how much to feed their pets. Feed your pet for the weight you want them to be, not
the weight they are currently! If you find you are already feeding your pet the
appropriate amount, then decrease that amount by 25%.
A weight loss program would not be complete without exercise! This is very
important for your pet's overall health. If your pet is very overweight, start out
slowly, for example, a 10-15 minute walk around the block several times a week. As
they lose weight, increase that amount to 30 minutes most days of the week. Also
be aware that throwing a ball playing fetch in the back yard or playing with your cat
inside counts! Cats love to chase laser pointers-you can purchase one at any
large pet store chain.
If you find you are doing everything right and your pet is still not losing weight, talk
to your veterinarian about a special diet. There are low-fat diets, low-carbohydrate
diets, you name it. Ask your vet which diet is appropriate for your pet. Blood work
should be performed to rule out any medical conditions that could cause weight
retention. Remember that certain medications such as steroids and
anticonvulsants can cause a pet to be heavy.
When all else fails, there is a drug called Slentrol that is approved for dogs only. It
claims to suppress the appetite and reduce a small portion of fat absorption in the
small intestine. Talk to your veterinarian to assess the need for this medication in
your pet.
on a well balanced diet recommended by your veterinarian, you may not have to
put your pet on a special food. Also, if your pet is on a prescribed diet for joint,
cardiac, kidney, or liver disease, do not change diets unless instructed by your vet.
Most premium pet diets have a chart on the bag that is a guideline for owners on
how much to feed their pets. Feed your pet for the weight you want them to be, not
the weight they are currently! If you find you are already feeding your pet the
appropriate amount, then decrease that amount by 25%.
A weight loss program would not be complete without exercise! This is very
important for your pet's overall health. If your pet is very overweight, start out
slowly, for example, a 10-15 minute walk around the block several times a week. As
they lose weight, increase that amount to 30 minutes most days of the week. Also
be aware that throwing a ball playing fetch in the back yard or playing with your cat
inside counts! Cats love to chase laser pointers-you can purchase one at any
large pet store chain.
If you find you are doing everything right and your pet is still not losing weight, talk
to your veterinarian about a special diet. There are low-fat diets, low-carbohydrate
diets, you name it. Ask your vet which diet is appropriate for your pet. Blood work
should be performed to rule out any medical conditions that could cause weight
retention. Remember that certain medications such as steroids and
anticonvulsants can cause a pet to be heavy.
When all else fails, there is a drug called Slentrol that is approved for dogs only. It
claims to suppress the appetite and reduce a small portion of fat absorption in the
small intestine. Talk to your veterinarian to assess the need for this medication in
your pet.