How to Know If Your Pet Is Overweight and Why It Matters.
October is Pet Obesity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to check in on your pet’s weight. Just like humans, pets can experience health problems from being overweight, such as joint issues, diabetes, and respiratory problems. But how do you know if your cat or dog is carrying a few extra pounds? Below, we’ll walk through some key methods to help you determine if your pet is at a healthy weight.
Body Condition Scoring (BCS)
One of the most effective ways to assess whether your pet is overweight is through the Body Condition Score (BCS). The BCS system evaluates a pet’s physical characteristics, such as the visibility of ribs, waistline, and abdominal tuck, on a scale from 1 to 9:
1-3: Underweight – Ribs are easily visible and there’s little to no fat cover.
4-5: Ideal weight – You can easily feel the ribs, but they aren’t visible. The abdomen has a slight tuck when viewed from the side, and a noticeable waist is visible from above.
6-9: Overweight to obese – Ribs are hard to feel under a thick layer of fat. Fat deposits are noticeable on the back and abdomen, and there’s little to no waistline.
For more information and visual guides, visit the Pet Obesity Prevention BCS guide for dogs.
Monitoring Weight Regularly
It’s important to regularly monitor your pet’s weight, especially since small gains can add up over time. You may not always have access to a pet scale at home, but your veterinarian can track your pet's weight during routine visits. Keeping a record of your pet’s weight over time can help catch trends early.
Signs Your Pet May Be Overweight
1. Difficulty Feeling Ribs
Run your hands along your pet’s sides. In a healthy pet, you should be able to feel their ribs with a slight layer of fat. If you can’t feel them or have to press hard to find them, your pet might be overweight.
2. No Visible Waist
When you look at your pet from above, you should see an obvious waistline between the ribs and hips. If your pet has a round or oval shape, this can be a sign of weight gain.
3. Fat Deposits
Fat deposits, particularly around the lower back, neck, or base of the tail, are common indicators of excess weight. If these areas are noticeably thickening, it’s time to take action.
4. Reduced Energy Levels
Overweight pets may be less energetic, tire more quickly, or seem uninterested in play. This is often due to the strain extra weight puts on their bodies.
5. Difficulty Grooming or Breathing
Cats may struggle to groom themselves, particularly around their lower back, while dogs may experience labored breathing or shortness of breath with mild exercise.
Why Knowing This Is Important
Health Risks
Being overweight or obese can lead to numerous health issues, including:
Orthopedic Problems: Extra weight increases the risk of joint issues, like arthritis.
Diabetes: Overweight cats are particularly prone to developing diabetes.
Respiratory Issues: Excess fat can compress the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.
Urinary Tract Diseases: Overweight cats have a higher risk of lower urinary tract infections.
Decreased Lifespan: Studies show that overweight pets typically live shorter lives than pets at an ideal weight.
In addition to these conditions, excess fat produces inflammatory cytokines that can lead to chronic inflammation, which may worsen diseases like arthritis and diabetes.
Steps for Managing Weight
Accurate Caloric Intake
A good weight management plan starts with understanding how many calories your pet consumes daily. This includes not only their meals but also treats and snacks they may scavenge. Calorie calculator here!
Exercise and Activity
Regular exercise is vital for both dogs and cats.
For dogs, daily walks, playtime, or even activities like agility training can help keep them active.
For cats, interactive toys, laser pointers, and climbing trees can encourage movement.
Diet Adjustments
Switch to a weight management food that promotes satiety, helping your pet feel full for longer periods. See how much your should be feeding your pet here!
High-Protein, Low-Fat Diets can maintain muscle mass while encouraging fat loss.
Portion Control: Measure your pet’s food accurately and avoid free-feeding.
Professional Help
We can perform a thorough physical exam and use techniques to rule out other causes of weight gain, like fluid buildup or masses. Regular veterinary assessments are essential to monitor your pet’s progress and make adjustments to their weight management plan.
Conclusion
Monitoring your pet’s weight regularly, assessing their Body Condition Score, and consulting with your veterinarian are key steps in managing their weight. By maintaining a healthy weight, you’ll improve their quality of life and help them live longer, happier lives.
This October, let’s focus on keeping our pets fit and healthy for Pet Obesity Awareness Month!