"Chonky Pets May Look Cute, But It's Unhealthy!" — Vet Cautions M'sians About Pet Obesity
A good reminder.
Cover image via Chubby pets may look adorable, but there's nothing cute about obesity — it is a major risk factor for premature death in household pets 🙁
We all know that pets do not live as long as we do. Cats typically live 13 to 20 years while dogs' lifespans range from eight to 15 years, depending on their size.
So, why put our furbabies on the fast track to the Rainbow Bridge by not watching their health?
We spoke to veterinarian and owner of Serv-U Veterinary Clinic, Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah, fondly known as Dr Ima, to find out more about obesity in cats and dogs.
Image via Dr Ima (Provided to SAYS)
1. How common is obesity in pets? What happens if my pet is obese?
Dr Ima: Unfortunately, obesity affects up to 30% of pet dogs and nearly 50% of pet cats, according to studies.
Overweight pets tend to be less active and have difficulty moving, which can lead to serious lifestyle diseases such as joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues.
Pets who have a healthy weight are more energetic, active, and better able to engage in physical activities, all of which contribute to a longer, healthier life.
2. How can pet owners tell if their dog or cat is overweight or obese?
Dr Ima: When obese pets develop serious health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, they may exhibit signs like lethargy, weight loss, and changes in appetite. This is why owners should remain vigilant and monitor their pets for any shifts in behaviour, involving eating habits, water intake, bowel movements, urination, and activity levels.
If any changes occur, it is important to consult a vet as early as possible, as detection is key to managing these lifestyle conditions before they progress.
Here are some ways to tell if your pet is overweight:
Feel the ribs: At a healthy weight, you should be able to feel your pet's ribs with light pressure. If you can't, they may be overweight.
Check the waistline: Overweight pets do not have a distinct waistline, and their belly and chest may blend together. Pets with a healthy weight will have a clear waistline when viewed from above or the side.
Monitor their energy and behaviour: Overweight pets may be less active, eat more, have difficulty in moving, and avoid physical activities like playing or climbing. They may also need assistance getting in and out of cars.
3. What are the main causes of obesity in household pets?
Dr Ima: Well, there are two main factors that contribute to this problem: poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
Many pets are fed incomplete, non-balanced diets, including excessive treats and human food. Inappropriate diets, plus overfeeding, can contribute to obesity and lifestyle diseases.
In combination to that, city-dwelling pets also often have limited access to outdoor spaces for exercise, with many public parks restricting pets. This lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, a leading risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
4. How much should I feed my cat/dog? How much is considered too much?
Dr Ima: In reality, there is no on-size-fits-all for feeding. Each pet is an individual with their own unique needs. For cats, a general guideline is around 40-45 calories per kilogram of healthy body weight, while dogs require around 250-400 calories per day depending on weight and activity level.
Feeding Frequency:
– Kittens (under six months) often do well with 3-4 meals a day, whereas adult cats can typically be fed twice a day. Some experts even suggest up to 5 times a day for better digestion as the size of cat's stomach is small. Senior cats might benefit from 2-3 smaller meals.
– Adult dogs can typically be fed twice a day, whereas puppies and young dogs may need more frequent meals.
Several factors will determine much you should feed your cat/dog:
– Age: Kittens and puppies require a lot of nutrients and have a high energy requirement for growth and development, while adult and senior pets require less caloric intake.
– Activity level: Different activities also play an important role in justifying their feed intake, for example, a neutered pet requires lesser caloric intake compared to intact, pregnant, or lactating pets.
– Body condition: Overweight or underweight pets will have different caloric needs
– Food quality: The quality of food also affects how many calories are needed to meet nutritional needs.
– Other factors that should be considered are bodyweight, breed, health status, and type of food given (wet food, dry food, mixed, etc)
It's important to note that treats should be factored into your pet's daily calorie intake, and ideally, they should not exceed 10% of your pet's total daily calories. Pet foods also provide recommended feeding guidelines and calories per serving on their packaging, which can be used as a general guide.
How to know if you are overfeeding your pet:
– Your pet gains weight over time
– You have difficulty feeling their ribs using light pressure
– Your pet displays lazy or sluggish behaviour; low energy
– More poop (soft or smelly), frequent vomitting, or both
– Your pet often leaves some food behind (a telltale sign of over-serving)
These are starting points, and individual pets' needs may vary. This is why it is best to consult a pet's veterinarian for personalised feeding guidelines, and the ideal body weight for your pets, especially for pets with health conditions or specific dietary needs.
5. How can pet owners ensure their pets maintain a healthy weight?
Dr Ima: Dog owners must remember that walking your dog is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and cardiovascular health, instead of just pushing their dogs around in strollers.
If your dog is small and struggles to keep up with your pace, slow down and let them walk at their own speed. If your dog gets tired, allow them to rest or carry them for a while before encouraging them to continue walking.
Also, when adopting a dog, it is essential to research the breed thoroughly. For example, labradors are more prone to weight gain, obesity, and joint problems, while flat-faced dogs often face airway or breathing problems.
As such, always consult a vet before choosing a breed to understand any breed-specific genetic issues and the extra care they may require, such as special diets, vaccinations, medications or procedures, to keep them healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.
The same can be said for cats. While cats generally do not tolerate leashes and walks like dogs, there are still several ways to keep them fit, active, and healthy at home.
Here are some ways cat owners can exercise their cats:
– Interactive toys: Use toys like feather wands, laser pointers or balls to stimulate hunting behaviours such as chasing and pouncing.
– Climbing opportunities: Install shelves, cat trees, or scratching posts to encourage climbing and jumping, to promote muscle development and prevent weight gain.
– Puzzle feeders: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys stimulate both physical and mental activity while feeding.
– Schedule playtime: Designating specific times for play helps ensure your cat receives the necessary stimulation to stay healthy and prevent boredom.
– Catnip: Use catnip as a treat or training tool to make playtime more exciting and encourage the use of scratching posts or their own bed.
Lastly, Dr Ima said consistent veterinary care is also key in managing a healthy weight in both cats and dogs
Dr Ima: Besides a balanced diet and regular exercise, remember that regular health check-ups are essential for your pet's wellbeing too.
These check-ups can help detect and prevent health issues early, which can be more difficult and costly to treat later.
During annual check-ups, veterinarians can:
– Provide preventative care, including vaccinations, parasite control, and physical exams.
– Identify and address potential health concerns.
– Conduct comprehensive health assessments, including annual bloodwork and full-body checks. These assessments cover the eyes, nose, teeth, hair coat, weight, and temperature, as well as auscultation or listening to the sounds of the lungs and heart.
– Offer advice on nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle factors to prevent diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.
While we love cute chonky pets, remember to always take care of their health too!
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Image via SAYS
