October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month

In 2018, it was estimated that 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. This is an important issue affecting pets because those that are overweight are at an increased risk for developing diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease and cancer. A pet’s weight can be a key influential factor on their quality of life, longevity and whether or not they develop disease. We know that pets that are overweight will often live shorter lives compared to those that are at an ideal body weight. We want to help give your pet their best life so assessing their body condition score during every exam is essential. Pets come in all shapes and sizes so we cannot just simply say your pet should weigh X amount. Below are images of standardized body condition charts for both dogs and cats. The criteria listed helps us determine whether or not a pet is obese. In general, you should be able to easily feel their ribs when you slide your fingers across their side, and when you look at them from above, you should see an hourglass figure, and from the side, they should have a slight upward tuck of their tummy. After we determine whether or not your pet is overweight, your next question might be “how much should I be feeding”. In order to answer this question, we need to calculate the number of calories your pet needs. After you know this number, you can then determine how many cups or cans of food to feed. It’s important not to forget to add treats into that daily calorie count because they can add up quickly. Just remember, weight loss takes time so it requires patience and persistence. We will often need to make adjustments to a weight loss plan along the way. This may include food changes or development of an exercise routine. Monthly weight checks can help us measure a plan’s performance and know if we need to make any changes. Just know, our team is here to help and cheer you and your pet along every step of the way.

~Dr. Shawn