IS YOUR POOCH PUDGY?  IS YOUR FELINE FAT?

Linda Juergens, CVA

Pet obesity in the US is a growing problem.  The second annual National Pet Obesity Day Study conducted in October 2008 found that from 2007 to 2008 the number of overweight dogs and cats increased by 1% in dogs and 4% in cats. 

A dog is considered overweight if it is 5% to 19% above it’s ideal weight.  An obese dog is 20% or more above its ideal weight.  For example, if your dog’s ideal weight is 50 pounds, a weight gain of 10 pounds would be a 20% gain and would make your dog obese.  An extra 7 pounds in a dog that ideally weighs 35 pounds is similar to an extra 30 pounds on a person who weighs 150 pounds.  Ask your veterinarian to tell you what a healthy weight is for your dog. 

There are many health risks associated with obesity.  Overweight dogs and cats have a higher incidence of disease such as, heart and lung disease, diabetes and arthritis.  They are at an increased risk for complications should they need to be anesthetized for surgery.  Overweight pets can also have problems with their skin.  Some problems occur more in specific breeds. Dachshunds, with their long backs, are very prone to spinal disease and being overweight can put additional strain on their backs causing bulging or ruptured discs.  Being overweight puts additional strain on the hips of larger dogs.

If you are not sure if your pet is overweight, try feeling the rib cage.  Put your hands on the ribs with your thumbs over the spine.  If you can easily feel the ribs, then your pet is probably a healthy weight.  If the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet may be overweight.  If you cannot feel the ribs at all your pet may be obese.  In cats, a large abdomen that hangs down and swings when the cat walks indicates obesity.

The two main causes of this growing problem are too much food and too little exercise.  Our pets enjoy being couch potatoes just like we do.  A 10 pound cat needs about 180 to 200 calories a day, a 10 pound dog needs 200 to 275 calories a day, and a 50 pound dog needs 700 to 900 calories a day.

A popular brand of dry dog food contains approximately 365 calories per cup and 378 calories in a 13 oz can.  One of the pouch varieties of food contains 90 calories in a 3.5 oz pouch.  A popular brand of dry cat food contains 493 calories per cup and 167 calories in a 5.5 oz can. 

Some suggestions for easy steps to take in the “battle of the bulge”: divide the total daily food allowance into two meals and use an accurate measure cup when measuring their food, and watch out for the treats.  A large Milk Bone has 115 calories, which can add up in a hurry.  Also exercise is vital to everyone’s health.  We have seen patients whose owners have benefited from some weight loss when initiating a walking program for their dogs.

The 2009 Pet Fit Challenge at Murphy Road Animal Hospital resulted in eight patients losing a total of 60 pounds.

For more information regarding nutrition and weight control, contact your veterinarian.