How to Tell If Your Pet is Overweight

Is your pet struggling with movement during their playtime? How can you tell your furry friend is gaining a few extra pounds? Many pet owners have been asking such questions recently. 

In the United States, statistics show that approximately 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are classified as overweight or obese. This is an alarming statistic, as pet obesity severely harms the quality of life of your pet.

In this blog, we will discuss how you can detect your pet’s obesity, what causes it, and how you can help your beloved pet. Let’s discuss: 

Signs of Pet Overweight

Recognizing the signs of pet obesity earlier allows you to make informed decisions to manage your pet’s weight and improve its health and happiness. There are three definitive signs you may observe:

• Visual Cues
• Behavioral Changes
• Physical Changes

Let’s discuss them in detail:

Visual Cues

Visual cues are the primary signs to determine if your pet is overweight or not. While the other signs may develop later or may be hard to detect. Visual cues are generally more detectable. Here are the most common visual cues you can look for:

• Waistline Definition Loss: Generally, when you look at your pet from above, you should see a definitive narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips. If that is unnoticeable and your pet’s body appears more oval-shaped, that could be a sign of excess weight.

• Movement and Play Difficulty: If you see your pet struggling with movement during playtime or other activities they used to enjoy, it can be a highlighting sign of obesity.

• Breath Shortening: Excess weight puts strain on your pet’s respiratory system. So, if you notice your pet breathing heavily or struggling to catch their breath, this may be an indicator of being overweight.

• Grooming Difficulties: Overweight pets, especially cats, often find it challenging to groom themselves. If your pet is neglecting certain areas of its coat or has a noticeably unkempt appearance, it could be due to its size.

• Swollen Abdomen: If your pet grows an unusually rounded or distended abdomen, it is a sign of excessive fat accumulation.

• Increased Body Temperature: Overweight pets often have a higher body temperature as excess fat can act as insulation. They will seek out cool spots more frequently.

Behavioral Changes

As your pet gains excess weight, it will start showing significant changes in its behavior. Some noticeable behavioral changes can be the following:

• Inactivity or Decreased Activity Level: If your pet shows less enthusiasm for walks or playtime than it used to, rather than spends time sleeping. This could be due to the extra weight it gained.

• Increased Aggression or Irritability: Obesity causes discomfort and pain. It makes your pet irritable and causes it to behave more aggressively.

• Mobility Difficulties: If your pet struggles to jump onto furniture or climb stairs, it could be a sign of being overweight that hinders their mobility.
  

Physical Changes

Last but not least, pets with obesity go through severe physical changes that can impact their day-to-day life. Here are some signs you will be able to see

• Increased Body Mass Index: The higher BMI of your pet indicates its excess weight. You can get help from your veterinarian to measure your pet’s BMI to assess weight status. 

• Fatty Deposits: Check for fatty deposits around the neck, abdomen, and thighs of your pet. This is a clear indication of excess body fat.

• Thickened Skin: Obese pets’ skin can appear thicker or more stretched around the belly and joints.

• Increased Joint Pain: Extra weight puts additional strain on your pet’s joints. This causes pain and discomfort to your pet. They will be more reluctant to move or appear stiff.

Causes of Pet Obesity

To effectively prevent and manage your pet’s obesity, you need to understand the causes. Generally, pet obesity is influenced by a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors. Let’s take a brief look at the causes:

Overfeeding

One of the most common causes for pets to get overweight is overfeeding. If your pet consumes more calories than it burns, it gains weight. Here are some key factors related to overfeeding:

Lack of Exercise

Exercise is unavoidable in maintaining a healthy weight for your pets. If your pet leads an inactive lifestyle, it will lead to an imbalance between calorie intake and burning.

Genetic Predisposition

Some breeds and individual animals are more predisposed to weight gain due to their genetic makeup. Therefore, if you see any sign, consult a professional and generate a diet plan for your beloved pet.

Medical Condition

Several medical conditions contribute to pet obesity. These conditions alter metabolism, appetite, or fat storage. Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, insulinoma, etc., are some of the common causes of pet obesity.

How Can You Help Your Pet Maintain an Ideal Weight?

Increased weight can bring several difficulties to your beloved pet’s life. It will impact its movement, health, and in general the overall quality of its day-to-day activities. That is why you need to help your pet maintain an ideal weight. 

This involves a combination of proper diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups. Here are some steps you can take:

• Creating a balanced diet plan tailored to your pet’s needs by consulting your veterinarian

• Avoid overfeeding and consider portion control

• Incorporate regular exercise into your pet’s routine, such as walking or playing fetch

• Visiting veterinarian regularly to monitor your pet’s weight and overall health

• Follow the guidance and adjust your pet’s diet or exercise plans according to the vet

• Give your pet low-calorie or healthy treats to reward without adding extra weight

Health Risks Associated with Pet Obesity

While a well-rounded or overweight pet may sometimes look good, it can pose a number of serious health risks for your beloved furry friend. Here is a list of diseases that obesity can cause to your pet:

• Diabetes Mellitus, which can trigger a number of other health complications in overweight pets

• Heart disease, as extra fat puts strains on the heart, leading to cardiovascular issues

• Joint problems, including osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia, lead to excruciating pain

• Additionally, overweight pets often have a shorter lifespan due to the increase in chronic diseases

How Can You Help an Overweight Pet?

If you see any signs of obesity in your pet mentioned above, you should immediately start taking action. Here is a list of tasks you should perform readily:

• Creating a Weight Loss Plan: Schedule a visit to the veterinarian to develop a weight loss plan that includes a balanced diet and increased physical activity.

• Monitor Progress: Keep tracking your pet’s progress by weighing it regularly. Adjust the plan as needed based on their weight loss journey.

• Motivate Your Pet: Use toys, games, and positive reinforcement to encourage your pet to stay active and engaged in their weight loss efforts. 

• Be patient and Consistent: Weight loss is a long process. Therefore, do not expect immediate results; rather, be regular and consistent to ensure your pet’s well-being.

Final Words

To keep your pet hale and hearty, it is crucial to recognize and address obesity in the earliest stage. Only then can you ensure long-term health and happiness for your pet. 

Keep a close eye to observe the signs of excess weight and take preventive steps to manage your pet’s weight. Consult a good veterinarian to get the best possible advice and follow them accordingly to keep your pet in its best possible form.