Pet obesity: Is your cat or dog overweight?

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Obesity is currently the number one nutritional disease seen in pets. It is currently estimated that over 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are either overweight or obese.

Fortunately, some people are beginning to wake up to the fact that being overweight is no healthier for our pets than it is us. For instance, Purina and Jenny Craig have recently teamed up to create Project Pet Slim Down, a program designed to help pet owners and their canine companions shed the excess pounds.

How can tell if your pet is overweight?

Ask your veterinarian to help you determine whether your pet's weight is ideal. Normally, the ideal body weight is based on a body condition score. A body condition score is an evaluation of your pet's relative proportion of muscle to fat. A dog or cat with an ideal body weight has easily palpable ribs and a clearly defined waist, among other considerations.

My pet is overweight. What can I do?

Firstly, feed your pet intelligently. Choose a high quality food and do not feed in excess. Reduce or eliminate in between meal snacks. If treats are a necessity that cannot be discontinued, choose low-calorie treats (carrots, frozen peas, etc.) and reduce the amount of food offered at meal-time accordingly to account for the additional calories.

Secondly, increase your pet's exercise. Start slowly and gradually increase if your pet is not used to strenuous exercise.

• For dogs, walking is good exercise. Interactive games such chasing a ball or frisbee are also good. Swimming provides exercise without placing undue stress on sore joints for arthritic dogs.
• For cats, interactive toys such as laser pointers or feathers tied to a string can help encourage exercise.
• Food puzzles are also a good choice for both dogs and cats. An entire meal can be fed in a food puzzle, forcing the pet to increase his exercise and work for his meal.

Monitor your pet's weight regularly. Your pet should be weighed and have his body condition re-evaluated periodically. Weight checks every 2-4 weeks are recommended. And always have your pet's health evaluated by your veterinarian before beginning any weight loss program.

Why is it bad for my pet to be overweight?

Being overweight places your pet at risk for numerous health issues. Fat tissue is now actually recognized as an endocrine organ, secreting various chemicals and hormones that can have an adverse effect on your pet's body. So, it's not just a matter of extra weight on joints and extra work for the heart and other organs. Fat cells are actually known to secrete hormones that contribute to pain for your pet and have other deleterious effects on your pet's health.