Veterinarians frequently encounter overweight and obesity as prevalent issues in both dogs and cats. However, weight-loss initiatives for pets often fall short, with many cases experiencing a high drop-out rate. One study even found that more than half of the participating dogs gained weight.
A recent study in the journal Animals suggests that the failure in managing pet weight often stems from a narrow approach, viewing it solely as a nutritional issue solvable by reducing food intake. Evidence indicates that addressing pet weight effectively requires considering animal behavior and the dynamics of human-animal interactions.
How do I know if my pet is overweight or obese?
The most common method veterinarians use to assess whether an animal is underweight, at an ideal weight, or overweight is body condition scoring. The Global Pet Obesity Initiative employs a 1–9 scale, where a score of 5 signifies an ideal body weight.
Each point on this scale represents a 10% difference in weight. For instance, an animal with a score of 6 out of 9 is 10% overweight, whereas a score of 7 indicates 20% overweight. A score of 8 or above (30% overweight) is classified as obesity.
How common are overweight and obesity in pets?
Worldwide, approximately half of pet dogs and cats are either overweight or obese, with middle-aged pets being most affected. The largest study in the United States involving nearly 5 million dogs and over 1 million cats reported that 50% of adult dogs and 45% of cats were overweight, with 13% of dogs and 22% of cats being obese.
High incidence rates are also observed in regions like Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and China. Factors like high food motivation, reduced physical activity (especially in indoor cats), and being desexed increase the risk of obesity in pets. Certain breeds, such as Labrador retrievers, have a genetic predisposition to obesity.
Additionally, an owner’s activity level, lifestyle, and relationship with their pet play a role. Many pet owners suffer from “weight blindness“—failing to recognize when their pets are overweight.
Why should we worry about overweight and obese pets?
Similar to humans, pets that are overweight or obese face a higher likelihood of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, skin issues, and cancer. Excess weight can worsen conditions such as osteoarthritis and increase the risk of heat stroke. Lifespan is notably shortened in obese dogs and cats.
Obesity can hinder animals from participating in activities like exercise, play, and social interactions. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association considers obesity the most significant global animal welfare concern.
Why does traditional weight management fail?
The conventional method for helping pets lose weight involves reducing calorie intake, increasing exercise, and regular weighing. Despite its simplicity, this approach often falls short. Pets that are fed less tend to exhibit hunger and heightened food-seeking behavior, leading to guilt in owners. They quickly consume reduced portions and then seek additional food.
Animals familiar with receiving treats or table scraps may resist changes to these routines, prompting many owners to give in and offer treats. Caloric restriction can also alter metabolism, initially leading to weight gain, which can be discouraging. Some pets feel anxious in veterinary settings, making regular weigh-ins distressing for both pets and owners. These challenges often deter adherence to weight-loss plans.
How to help your pet lose weight successfully
1. Use accurate information to formulate a weight management plan
Pets should be weighed regularly, and their body condition should be assessed. Pet owners can utilize body condition scoring sheets for dogs and cats at home. For pets uncomfortable with vet visits, home scales can be used. It is essential to track what the pet eats, including treats and scavenged foods, and share this information with the veterinarian.
A comprehensive dietary history aids in crafting a diet that aligns with the pet’s preferences, potentially replacing high-calorie foods with lower-calorie alternatives.
2. Diets should be low calorie, high satisfaction
Weight-loss diets must remain nutritionally balanced. The most effective diets are those that reduce calorie intake while ensuring the pet remains satisfied after meals. Low-calorie treats can be incorporated into daily meals to ensure pets don’t feel deprived.
3. Provide opportunities to hunt, find and forage food
Serving the daily food allowance in several smaller portions can increase calorie expenditure and prolong eating time. Encouraging pets to “hunt” for their food using puzzle feeders, scatter feeding, or organizing “treasure hunts” can help in expressing their natural behaviors.
Pets may burn more calories and derive more enjoyment from chewable foods, potentially reducing food-seeking behavior.
4. Be prepared for begging
Pets accustomed to receiving table scraps might amplify their attention-seeking behavior if these are suddenly withheld. Though challenging, giving in to begging with food reinforces the behavior. Instead, pre-empt their begging with rewarding alternatives like providing a toy to chew on while you enjoy your meal.
Non-food activities such as sensory gardens and digging pits or interactive toys can also serve as effective distractions.
Ultimately, helping pets lose weight is about prolonging their quality of life. With the right strategies—not just calorie counting—we can ensure our pets remain healthy and content.
Anne Quain, Senior Lecturer, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney and Rimini Quinn, PhD Candidate, School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
