Pet Obesity in the US
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention 2018 survey, about 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight; that number has been increasing over the past several years. So how can you, as a pet parent, know if your cat or dog is overweight, and what can you do to help your buddy?
How can I tell is my pet is overweight?
When you view your dog or cat from above as they stand, they should have a visible waist behind their ribcage. You shouldn't be able to easily see their ribs, but when gently petting a dog or cat along their side, you should feel their ribs. When looking at a standing dog from the side, they should have a noticeable abdominal tuck behind their ribs (like this dachshund); similarly, cats should have a minimal abdominal fat pad.
For more detailed guidance on what over and underweight cats and dogs look and feel like, and to help you determine its body condition score, use the Purina Body Condition System located HERE, or talk with your vet about your pet.
Why does my pet's weight matter?
Excess weight in dogs and cats creates stress on joints, leading to arthritis, mobility issues, and even orthopedic disease, keeping your furry friend from jumping and playing in a happy, pain-free way. Longtime obesity in your pets can also cause skin disorders, chronic inflammation, and kidney dysfunction.
Overweight pets are at greater risk of developing cardio and respiratory issues too, as well as diabetes. The pain caused by these and related conditions can lead to changes in mood, sometimes exhibiting as increased aggression in their confused and pained state. Due to such issues, overweight pets face a significantly reduced life span compared to their healthier counterparts.
How can I help my overweight pet?
The two biggest environmental factors determining a pet's weight are diet and exercise (if your pet is overweight and their diet and exercise seems well balanced, talk with your vet about possible underlying medical conditions). Make sure you're feeding your pet according to a healthy weight, not their current weight. If you're not sure what a healthy weight is for your pet, consult with your vet; they may also have recommendations for your pet's food, and can let you know if a prescription weight loss food would be appropriate.
If you're looking for non-prescription food options to try, JAR carries Indoor Kitten food from Hill's Science Diet, for kittens that are less active and don't need as calorically dense a diet, as well as Large Breed Light dog food from Hill's Science Diet for large dogs that are looking to be slightly less large.
Avoid free feeding, as pets generally don't have the self-control to regulate their caloric intake. Feed all meals in their food dish; if your pet begs for food constantly, try several small meals throughout the day instead of two larger meals.
Give your pet regular opportunities for exercise, such as a morning walk, an afternoon at the dog park, or using a cat wand toy to encourage play and get them moving. You can even take your cat for a walk with a Come With Me Kitty cat harness and bungee leash set (limited quantities available at JAR), or a small dog harness and leash. Walks and play aren't just good for your pet's body, they also provide an important opportunity for mental stimulation to keep you pet young and sprightly mentally, as well as physically!
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention 2018 survey, about 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight; that number has been increasing over the past several years. So how can you, as a pet parent, know if your cat or dog is overweight, and what can you do to help your buddy?
How can I tell is my pet is overweight?
When you view your dog or cat from above as they stand, they should have a visible waist behind their ribcage. You shouldn't be able to easily see their ribs, but when gently petting a dog or cat along their side, you should feel their ribs. When looking at a standing dog from the side, they should have a noticeable abdominal tuck behind their ribs (like this dachshund); similarly, cats should have a minimal abdominal fat pad.
For more detailed guidance on what over and underweight cats and dogs look and feel like, and to help you determine its body condition score, use the Purina Body Condition System located HERE, or talk with your vet about your pet.
Why does my pet's weight matter?
Excess weight in dogs and cats creates stress on joints, leading to arthritis, mobility issues, and even orthopedic disease, keeping your furry friend from jumping and playing in a happy, pain-free way. Longtime obesity in your pets can also cause skin disorders, chronic inflammation, and kidney dysfunction.
Overweight pets are at greater risk of developing cardio and respiratory issues too, as well as diabetes. The pain caused by these and related conditions can lead to changes in mood, sometimes exhibiting as increased aggression in their confused and pained state. Due to such issues, overweight pets face a significantly reduced life span compared to their healthier counterparts.
How can I help my overweight pet?
The two biggest environmental factors determining a pet's weight are diet and exercise (if your pet is overweight and their diet and exercise seems well balanced, talk with your vet about possible underlying medical conditions). Make sure you're feeding your pet according to a healthy weight, not their current weight. If you're not sure what a healthy weight is for your pet, consult with your vet; they may also have recommendations for your pet's food, and can let you know if a prescription weight loss food would be appropriate.
If you're looking for non-prescription food options to try, JAR carries Indoor Kitten food from Hill's Science Diet, for kittens that are less active and don't need as calorically dense a diet, as well as Large Breed Light dog food from Hill's Science Diet for large dogs that are looking to be slightly less large.
Avoid free feeding, as pets generally don't have the self-control to regulate their caloric intake. Feed all meals in their food dish; if your pet begs for food constantly, try several small meals throughout the day instead of two larger meals.
Give your pet regular opportunities for exercise, such as a morning walk, an afternoon at the dog park, or using a cat wand toy to encourage play and get them moving. You can even take your cat for a walk with a Come With Me Kitty cat harness and bungee leash set (limited quantities available at JAR), or a small dog harness and leash. Walks and play aren't just good for your pet's body, they also provide an important opportunity for mental stimulation to keep you pet young and sprightly mentally, as well as physically!