Barbecue season has arrived again. How easy and fun it is to grill an extra hot dog or steak tip for your dog. We like to please our pets. But do we ever think about the consequences of overfeeding?
Almost half the pets in the United States are overweight or obese. Dogs and cats that at least 10 percent above ideal body weight are considered overweight; those that are obese are at least 20 percent over their ideal weight. That means that a trim 50-pound dog is overweight at 55 pounds. A typical cat, ideally at 10 pounds, is obese at 12 pounds. Many pet owners are not aware that even a modest increase in their cat's weight every year is significant. For instance, if a typical 10-pound cat gains just 11 ounces a year, in only three years, that cat would go from an ideal weight to obese.
Being overweight and obese has serious consequences for the health of dogs and cats. These risks include arthritis, diabetes, digestion issues, skin disorders, heart disease, breathing problems, joint injuries, surgical complications and cancer. A recent 14-year study showed that feeding dogs for an ideal body weight significantly increases life span and decreases health problems. Dogs fed optimally lived 15 percent longer than their heavier counterparts.
How can you tell if your pet is at an optimal weight? Ribs should be easily felt, but not visible. There should be a thin layer of fat between the skin and bones. When viewed from above, the pet should have an hour-glass figure. When viewed from the side, the abdomen should have a slight tuck and no sagging stomach.
A method for assessing pet weight is called Body Condition Scoring. This is a subjective system that ranks a pet's weight on a scale, and ranges from very thin to obese. At your pet's next medical exam, ask your veterinarian for your pet's score.
Appropriate weight management for pets involves regular exercise and good eating habits. However, this may not be easy to accomplish. Here are some hints to help achieve that goal:
r First, consult with your veterinarian to make sure there are no underlying health issues contributing to your pet's excess weight. Record the starting weight and set up a regular schedule to have the weight rechecked so that you can track your pet's progress.
r Measure your pet's food every day. While some animals maintain their weight well on a free-feed system, many do not. Leaving a continuously full bowl is asking for a weight problem. If your pet is gaining weight, it is easy to decrease the amount fed if you are measuring the food daily. Even a 10 percent decrease in food will have a noticeable impact on your pet's weight.
r Consider a pet food designed to help your pet lose weight. Some are available at pet stores. You may also ask your veterinarian for advice. Prescription weight-loss foods are certainly worth considering and may be more effective. Unlike simple food restriction, where calories and nutrients are both restricted, prescription diet foods can be fed in larger quantities. This provides more nutrition without the excess calories.
r Watch those snacks. Pet treats can be very caloric; some dog treats are more than 100 calories each. Try breaking each treat into the smallest pieces possible. Better yet, try vegetables and fruit. Most dogs love baby carrots, broccoli, apple slices and banana. Some cats even like canned pumpkin. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.
r If you cannot stop the urge to feed table food, offer healthy leftovers such as vegetables, or small amounts of lean meat or fish. Fat trimmings, gravy and fillers such as mashed potatoes are best kept out of your pet's bowl.
r Exercise is very important not only for your pet's weight control, but also for general good body health. Exercise increases the metabolic rate so calories are burned faster. Even a 20-minute brisk leash walk every day will benefit your dog. Cats can be encouraged to play with toys pulled on a string or dangled from a pole. Indoor cats also can search for their food if it is hidden in different locations in the home. This mimics hunting and, in addition to encouraging exercise, is mentally stimulating.
A new canine weight-loss prescription medicine became available last year. This daily pill works by curbing appetite so that the dog eats less. Ask your veterinarian if your dog is a good candidate.
Be sure to give your pet's weight-loss plan adequate time. Even a full year is generally not unreasonable. Then enjoy the benefits. Your pet will be heading toward a longer and healthier life with you.
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Dr. Heidi Bassler is medical director of the Veterinary Center of Greater Newburyport. Do you have questions for Dr. Bassler? Send them to ndn@newburyportnews.com.
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