Does My Pet Have a Weight Problem?

Bandit, a seven year old tuxedo cat looked and seemed perfectly happy - just a little on the chubby side according to his mom, Susan Parker. It seemed as though he was healthy and didn't have any major problems, but when Susan's boyfriend commented that Bandit's stomach dragged along the floor when he walked, it occurred to her that he may not be as healthy as she thought.

Feeling a bit concerned, Susan took Bandit to his veterinarian, and as it turned out, he did have a major problem. Susan was shocked to discover that her darling little cat wasn't so little after all! He was actually in a life-threatening danger zone of obesity. Bandit was a whopping 26 pounds - double his ideal weight - not just a little bit chubby, but dangerously overweight. How did this happen? When did this happen?

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that over a third of America's pets are overweight. People often think that an obese animal is not in physical danger, but nothing could be further from the truth. Just like with humans, too much weight can cause serious health problems. It leads to diabetes, heart disease, joint, bone and ligament damage, high blood pressure, intolerance to heat and more.

Remember, unlike humans, pets only eat what they are given. If an animal is overweight, it's more than likely because their owners made them that way. Biscuits and other treats can be high in calories, so be careful when including them in your pet's overall caloric intake. It's important to read the nutritional labels on foods, treats and snacks as well - just as you would your own. All too often, your pet's snacks can contain toxic chemicals and preservatives and don't include quality ingredients that promote good health. Try choosing smaller snacks - even with large pets - they won't know the difference. Also consider providing healthy snacks that are less fattening and more nutritional. For example, many dogs love fruits and vegetables, so try small amounts of apples, carrots, broccoli, green beans, and pears (remember though, too much can cause a stomach ache). Avoid raisins and grapes as they can be toxic.

A recent study has even discovered that some elderly dogs, especially beagles, have a better learning capability with a diet rich in antioxidants and with plenty of stimulating exercise. Stimulating exercise can be chasing a ball or even rolling around with another dog; so be sure to schedule those increasingly popular play dates.

Cats don't normally have a portion control problem, but ones that have automatic food dispensers should be monitored to make sure they are not taking the lion's share. Playing with your cat is beneficial on many levels: it keeps them at a healthy weight, strengthens the owner-pet bond, sharpens your cat's instinctive hunting skills, gives them an outlet for aggression, and even enables a shy cat to gain confidence. It's time for owners to "step up to the plate" and discipline ourselves to make the right food choices for our pets, as we discipline them to eat right and exercise.

The signs of obesity in animals are easy to see once you know what to look for. A dog should have a distinguishable waistline. Their waists are supposed to go in after their ribs and then out again to their hips - a modified hourglass shape. If there is no indentation, or even worse, if their waists are wider than their shoulders, or there is no visible tuck in their bellies, then they are more than likely overweight. With cats, make sure that their ribs are easily felt but not visibly protruding. Look at his tummy. If it's hanging down between his legs, it is a good indication that he is overweight. Your cat should be sporting an hourglass - not an apron (a big belly on a cat is called an apron). Some cats like Bandit are so big their stomachs actually graze the ground. And though this may help dust your hardwood floors, it's no laughing matter and should be taken seriously - no matter how cute they look all fattened up.

Cats and dogs tend to become overweight in their middle-aged years because they get less active. And certain breeds are more prone to packing on the pounds than others, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Beagles, Cairn Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties), and Basset Hounds. However, don't use the breed as an excuse. Still be diligent in watching your pet's diet and getting him plenty of exercise. It's a simple and consistent fact: all mammals that take in more calories than they burn off will gain weight.

Again, just like human side effects, extra pounds mean extra stress on bones, joints and ligaments which can cause pain and discomfort and shorten their lifespan. The clinical signs of arthritis and hip dysphasia will be exasperated in overweight dogs. Few people realize that 20 pounds overweight for a dog is comparable to about 50 pounds overweight for a person. That is a lot of extra weight for them to be carrying around.

So, what should you do if you think your pet has a weight problem? First, schedule a physical for your pet with your local vet. Prior to your visit, keep a log of his dietary and exercise habits. Write down the amount and type of food your pet consumes each day, the time of day they consume it, how much daily exercise your animal receives (and this should include the type of exercise plus the duration), and any other physical problems you may have noticed.

Your vet will use this information to help determine if there are any underlying conditions or if the main issue is a weight problem. Your vet will probably recommend an exercise plan and a change in diet. There are many excellent products available that are lower in calories and provide good nutrition. It is usually easier to give your dog the same amount of low-calorie food than to dramatically cut his portions. New toys, play dates, attention and exercise are great substitutes for treats.

Getting your pooch away from the dog bowl and burning calories with a physical routine is the best defense in fighting the battle of the bulge. Going for walks or playing catch is great exercise. Just like humans, pets need social interaction and physical stimulation. Having your pet play with other animals is also a great form of exercise. Sticking your pooch on the end of a lead in the backyard, however, does not constitute as physical activity and does not achieve the desired result. Walking, running and swimming are great ways to have fun with your furry friend and to get him on the road to recovery at the same time.

Don't forget that cats need their exercise too. Although they seem like they would rather be left alone, they can often be convinced to chase a piece of ribbon or to play with their toys. Keep their toys in rotation to prevent boredom. You may want to try a little catnip, too. It's not harmful to cats and it can really get them moving. Just make sure it's in a container and not loose. It's the sniffing of the catnip that stimulates them. If ingested, it will act like a sedative instead. Spend some active time with them, and be consistent. They will actually look forward to playtime. Watching television with your pet isn't the only way to bond.

Let's face it; there isn't anyone that couldn't benefit from a little more exercise - man or beast. You can't go wrong increasing your activity level. And while you're promoting good health for your pet, you'll be promoting good health for yourself too! Eating too much and exercising too little is not only a recipe for weight gain, it's an exercise in futility - and those are not the recipes or the exercises we want. Walking your dog or taking him to the dog park can be a great social and physical outlet for both you and your pet.

In the interest of promoting good health for people and their pets everywhere, North Shore Animal League America and Weight Watchers have joined altruistic forces and designed the "Adopt a Walking Buddy campaign." Understandably, it's sometimes hard to get motivated to go walking or running - especially in the cold weather. But you'd be killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. Physical exertion is much easier and more comfortable in cooler temperatures, and your pet needs to go out regardless. The two of you can truly help each other stay fit and healthy - physically and mentally. You and your pet will feel better, look better and sleep better - now that's the way to bond!

Susan Parker is happy to report that the new and improved Bandit lost 15 pounds, and he is now stunningly svelte! Though it took a while to get there, they still succeeded. Parker bought Bandit a bunch of new toys and played with him every day for six weeks, but he quickly became disinterested. The doctor then recommended that Bandit be given a special diet for indoor, less active cats, and that did the trick. He started shedding the pounds. "He is a lot more playful. He runs and jumps on the bed before I even pull the down the covers," said Parker. Bandit lost half his original weight and will hopefully live a long and healthy life. So whether it's a modified diet, increased exercise or a combination of both, your pet's health may depend on it. Keep up the good work, Susan and Bandit! We're proud of you.