Just as obesity is plaguing America, it is plaguing America’s pets. Many pet owners over-identify with their pets and feed them too often because they are afraid of hurting their pet’s feelings. Treats, free feeding and lack of exercise all contribute to obesity in pets.

Overweight pets are prone to diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, difficulty breathing, heat intolerance, and many other conditions. The health risks for an overweight pet are serious; don’t put your pet at risk.

What causes obesity?
Granted there are a handful of breeds that are prone to obesity, but their breed doesn’t make them overweight. The main cause of obesity in pets is the pet’s food. The amount of food your pet requires depends on a lot of things, their genetics, their activity level and their metabolic rate. The feeding directions on pet food labels give the average amount of food the average pet eats, this doesn’t mean that this recommendation is right for all pets.

Free feeding also contributes to pet obesity. Some pets will only eat when hungry, others will eat until their bowl is empty then ask for more. If your pet is one that will devour the bowl then ask for more, you should consider alternatives to free feeding, such as feeding during a certain time of day for a certain amount of time.

Table scraps and treats also contribute to pet obesity. These high calorie treats, in addition to an excess amount of pet food, leads to an overweight pet.

If your pet is eating more and exercising less, they are not burning the excess calories they are consuming. By keeping your pet active and burning the excess calories, you can help your pet avoid obesity.

Contrary to popular belief, spaying and neutering by themselves do not cause obesity. It is how your pet is cared for after that makes him overweight. A pet that has been spayed or neutered does not need the same caloric intake as a pet that is intact. An intact pet needs extra energy for pregnancy and raising a litter.

How do you tell if your pet is overweight?
The best way to tell is by asking your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can make a decision based on your pet’s breed, species, body type and activity level. To get a general idea, if your pet is overweight you can gently run your fingers across your pet’s chest. You should be able to feel each individual rib, but not be able to see them through your pet’s coat. If you can see your pet’s ribs, he is too thin, if you can not feel his ribs without pressing then your pet is overweight.

What do I do if my pet is overweight?
If your pet is overweight, the first thing you should do is visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can make recommendations for both pet food and the amount to feed your pet. For your cat, your veterinarian might recommend a pet food such as, Hill’s Prescription Diet W/D or Pro Pac Low Fat Cat Food. For your dog, your veterinarian might recommend a pet food such as Hill’s Prescription Diet R/D or Pro Pac Low Fat Chicken & Rice.

Your veterinarian may also recommend a daily exercise routine for your pet, such as a long walk or a good play session. This routine should be tailored to the condition of your pet’s muscles, joints, heart and respiratory system. You don’t want your pet to overdo it. Start slow and if your pet shows signs he’s getting overworked, take a break. Not only will the exercise help your pet lose weight, but it will make him healthier and happier.