These days, it seems most
of us are struggling with our own weight, and we humans aren’t the only ones
caught up in the obesity epidemic. Unfortunately, dogs and cats are also in a
pudgy predicament. Porky pups and tubby tabbies are more common than ever. In
fact, a 2018 study showed that 56% of dogs and 60% of cats in the U.S. were
either overweight or obese.1 But what is causing all of this weight
gain, and what can we do about it?
Causes of Weight Gain in
Pets
There are a number of factors at play…with play being one of them! Or not
enough play, as the case may be. The quality and the amount of food we provide
for our pets are both important to maintaining a healthy weight, along with
regular exercise. It’s a delicate balance that’s definitely achievable when you
understand what causes pet weight gain and how to remedy it.
To Treat or Not to Treat
Pet parents know it can be hard to say no when those soulful puppy dog eyes beg
for just a bite of your sandwich, and rewarding good behavior with an extra
treat just seems like the right thing to do. After all, making our pets happy
makes us happy, too! Unfortunately, calories can add up fast in those furry
little bodies and what seems like a little to us is actually a lot to them.
Also, as our lifestyles have become more sedentary, our pets are following
suit.
So, giving your pet healthy
treats is great. Make sure he or she is getting plenty of
exercise to burn off those extra calories.
Stress, Emotions & Overeating
A study cited in Psychology Today revealed that a pet’s mental and emotional
state may contribute to overeating. Stress, anxiety, and time alone can induce
habits of “stress eating.” To figure out if changes in your pet’s mood
are instigating an overactive appetite, try keeping a journal of your household
activities and routines while keeping an eye on your pet’s eating habits. With
this information, your veterinarian can better assess why your pet may be
gaining weight and will help them to offer appropriate solutions.
Are Some Dog Breeds More
Prone to Weight Gain Than Others?
There are some dog breeds that are genetically prone to gaining excess
weight. Breeds like Pugs, Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, Basset Hounds,
Beagles, and English Bulldogs all tend to gain weight more easily. Even active
breeds like German Shepherds, Boxers, and Collies may be more prone to obesity
than other breeds.
Is Being Overweight
Dangerous for Pets
Gaining a pound or two might not seem like much for us, but just one extra
pound on a small dog is like 10 extra pounds for a person. As an example for
larger dogs who are carrying a few extra pounds, a Golden Retriever that is 7
pounds overweight is the equivalent of an adult female who is 16 pounds
overweight.
Pet obesity may take a toll
on internal organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. That extra weight can
also put stress on the back and knee joints making walking, running, and
jumping difficult. Joint pain, in turn, makes overweight pets less agile and
interested in the exercise that will help them slim down.
Just How Much Should My Pet
Weigh?
The average adult cat should weigh up to 10lbs. Of course, getting your kitty
to sit still on your home bathroom scale may not be easy, so a proper vet visit
may be necessary to get an accurate weight measurement.
Healthy weights for dogs
can vary quite a bit. Factors that determine an ideal weight for dogs vary
based on gender, age, breed and activity level. For a more detailed, customized
weight estimation, try using the Healthy
Weight Calculator at PetMD.com.
The Simple Pet Weight Check
Anyone Can Do
When dogs gain weight, they tend to swell around the sides, along with an
increase in hip and neck girth. Cats tend to gain weight in the abdomen, with
bulging sides and a hanging belly.
For cats and dogs, the
weight evaluation process is similar. When your pet is standing up, simply look
straight down on them. There should be a bit of a taper at the waist between
the bottom rib and the hind legs.
If you don’t see any
“hour-glass” definition here and the waist is actually wider than the ribs your
pet is likely overweight. You shouldn’t be able to see your pet’s ribs, but you
should be able to feel them as you run your hands along the sides of the torso.
Weight Loss Tips for Cats
and Dogs
Keeping pets at a healthy weight should be the goal from an early age since
it’s easier to stay fit than it is to lose weight. And just like with people,
the older a pet gets the more difficult it is to shed those extra pounds. If
you’ve determined that your pet is carrying too much weight, here are a few
tips to help them get back into shape.
- 1. Don’t ‘free-feed’ – Keeping a
bowl of food full and available at all times can inspire over-eating.
Keeping your pet on a regular meal schedule can cut out between-meal
snacking.
- 2. Measure food rations – Most pet
food bags have detailed instructions on how much to feed your pet based on
their weight. However, these are only guidelines. If your pet is
overweight, you will need to reduce the amount. It’s best to consult your
vet for the ideal amount of pet food for weight loss.
- 3. Increase exercise – Set aside
at least 30-40 minutes of daily playtime for cats and dogs. Depending on
your pet’s current condition, you may need to gradually increase activity
as tolerated. For dogs, long walks in the park and a daily game of Go
Fetch can help them lose weight and will also help strengthen your bond
and improve emotional wellbeing. For cats, grab a few interactive toys and
make time for nightly play, as cats are more active in the early evening
hours.
- 4. Cut back on treats – Reward
good behavior with kind words and cuddling rather than more calories from
too many treats. Only 30 extra calories a day can cause a pet to gain
three pounds or so over the course of one year. When you do offer treats, make
sure they are wholesome, all-natural, and low-carb in nature.
- 5. Don’t feed pets “people food” –
Our food isn’t necessarily good for our pets. Even if they beg, don’t
encourage a habit of sharing your food with your pet. Dogs and cats have
entirely different nutritional needs than we do, and many foods that are
safe for humans can be harmful for our pets.
- 6. Choose the Healthiest Pet Food
– Dog food and Cat
Food made with real meat, no fillers, and no artificial
flavors or colors, like the varieties available at pawTree.com, will
provide the nutrients your pet needs and help reduce overeating. When your
pet’s nutritional needs are being met, his appetite will decrease
naturally.
As most of us know, weight gain can sneak up
on you. It’s the same way for our pets! Of course, your kitty doesn’t feel the
warning signs of feeling her jeans getting tighter or finding it difficult to
bend over to tie her shoes. So, keeping a close eye on our pets’ proportions is
important before weight gain gets out of hand. But if your pet seems to be
gaining a lot of weight suddenly with no significant change in eating or
exercise habits, there may be a medical cause that should be evaluated by your
vet.