Why is Being Overweight Dangerous for Dogs and Cats?

Overweight dogs can suffer from poor health.

It is estimated that 24-44% of all pet dogs in the United States are overweight or even obese. Even worse, as many of 50% of dogs between 5-10 years of age are overweight. (Source: Sherry Lynn Sanderson, NAVC Clinician’s Brief, March 2009).

Complicating these figures is the fact that only approximately 30% of the people caring for overweight pets answered that their pets were overweight when surveyed. That means that only one out of three owners of overweight pets realize that their dog or cat has a weight problem! (Source: Laflamme DP. Obesity in dogs and cats. Univeristy of California, Davis. 2001).

Pet Obesity Defined

Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat sufficient to result in impairment of health or body function. Dogs and cats which are 10-20% over their ideal body weight are considered overweight and pets which are more than 20% above their ideal weight are obese.

Do you know what your dog or cat’s ideal body weight is? Could your pet be overweight?

Dangers of Being Overweight for a Dog or Cat

Obesity in pets has been linked to many different illnesses and complications. In dogs, musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis (degenerative joint disease) and back problems (disk disease) are linked to obesity. The immune system of obese dogs may also be compromised. Cardiovascular problems (such as heart disease or respiratory problems) can be more complicated to manage in overweight and obese dogs. Heat stroke and/or exercise intolerance is more likely to occur in overweight or obese dogs. Surgical and anesthetic complication rates are also higher for these dogs.

Overweight or obese cats also are at increased risk for disease and disease complications. As in dogs, being overweight or obese can predispose a cat to musculoskeletal problems or to abnormal glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance. Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease, occurs more frequently in overweight cats also. In addition, overweight or obese cats are also at higher risk for feline lower urinary tract disease, skin disorders, anesthetic and/or surgical complications, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), heat and/or exercise intolerance, hyperlipidemia and impaired immune function.

Early mortality can be a risk for overweight pets and even more so for obese pets. This means that your pet may not live as long as he should if he is overweight.

Are you convinced yet that you should know whether your pet is overweight? Obese?

How to Tell if Your Pet is Overweight or Obese

Most people think that weighing your pet is the way to find out whether he is overweight. In truth, your dog or cat’s body condition score is more helpful in determining your pet’s ideal body weight. The body condition score is defined as “an assessment of the animal’s weight for age and weight for height ratios, and its relative proportions of muscle and fat.” In simple terms, the body condition score gives you a way to evaluate your pet’s figure.

Please see the following links to evaluate your pet’s body condition score:

Cat Body Condition Score Chart

Dog Body Condition Score Chart

Once you know what your pet’s body condition score is, regular monitoring of the weight can become important in tracking his progress, particularly if he needs to lose weight.

The Pet Obesity Epidemic and the Dangers Associated with Overweight Dogs and Cats

Hopefully, you are convinced by now that you need to critically evaluate your pet’s weight and body condition score. Your dog or cat will thank you for it by being healthier, more active and living a longer life.

To learn more about pet obesity, visit our topic page where you will find links to additional information: Pet Obesity: Overweight Dogs and Cats

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