More than half of all household dogs and cats are overweight or obese. Obesity is a huge issue for our animal companions—literally—but it is not always treated seriously. We know, many loving pet owners like to spoil their furry pals by offering treats and tidbits. There’s nothing wrong with snacks. And Fluffy and Fido will still look adorable, even if they are a little overweight. However, those extra pounds come with a steep cost when it comes to your pet’s health. Continue reading to learn more about pet obesity from your local Town N Country, FL veterinarian.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Obesity?
At the end of the day, your pet’s weight will depend on his calorie counts, and whether he is taking in more than he is burning off. This, of course, where Man’s Best Friend’s love of snacks comes into play. Fido won’t turn his cute nose up at a slice of bacon, and he will immediately jump into action if you drop a meatball on the floor. That said, some breeds are more susceptible to packing on extra pounds than others.
Some of the pups that tend to pack on pounds include the Labrador Retriever, Pug, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Basset Hound, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, German Shepherd, Scottish Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Newfoundland, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frisé, Border Collie, Saint Bernard, and West Highland White Terrier.
Which Cat Breeds are Most Prone to Obesity?
Breed doesn’t play as large a factor with cats as it does with dogs. For starters, mixed-breed kitties are not just very common, but are more the rule than the exception. Cat breeds also vary less in size than dog breeds. There are a few exceptions here, of course. The Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat are far larger than many of their smaller equivalents. On the other end of the scale, the super cute Munchkin cat is quite small.
The Maine Coon and its cousin, the Norwegian Forest Cat, are at the top of the list of chubby kitties. Other cats that tend to get large include the British Shorthair, American Short Hair, Exotic Short Hair, Ragdoll, Birman, and Sphynx.
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 sad stare!
Maintain proper portion control. Even feeding your pet a few extra calories per day can result in weight increase!
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!
Be sure to ask your Town N Country, FL vet for specific advice on your pet’s diet and care needs.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Obese?
In some cases, it’s easy to tell if Fido is overweight. If your canine buddy resembles a potato with ears, legs, and a tail, well, he could be a chonker. However, obesity in fluffy or otherwise heavy-set canines is not often as obvious.
A pet is designated overweight if they weigh more than 10% of his optimal body weight, and obese if they weigh more than 20% more.
The optimum body weight for your dog will depend in large part on his breed. There is a huge range here. A healthy male Newfoundland can weigh up to 180 pounds, yet a Chihuahua might just weigh 6. If your dog is purebred, you can learn more by researching breed standards.
Of course, many dogs—and the vast majority of our patients—are mutts. Body weight score charts are quite useful here. The ‘rib’ test can help you determine if Fido is too big, too small, or just right. Try feeling your pet’s ribs. If you can feel them beneath a thin layer of muscle and fat, it’s a pretty good sign. If you can’t feel them at all, your pet is probably obese. Naturally, your Town N Country, FL veterinarian will be the final authority here, though.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Town N Country, FL Animal Clinic
Have you got any questions about your pet’s diet or care? Please contact us, your Town N Country, FL veterinary hospital. We are here to assist!
