Tackling the Pet Obesity Epidemic  

Your veterinarian can help you assess your pet's weight, his/her ideal body weight and how much he or she should be eating. For both dogs and cats, you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard (like the back of your hand), but you should not be able to see their ribs sticking out from across the room (like your knuckles). If their ribs are well padded and you find yourself poking around a lot to find them, then your pet is overweight.

Pet obesity is one of the most common and preventable problems that veterinarians encounter. Pets are simply getting too many calories for their level of activity. Many owners with the best intentions simply fall into these four common traps and end up with an obese pet.

Trap #1: I am following the directions on the bag.
Over-the-counter pet foods are required to be labeled to give adequate calories to the absolutely most active pet. Unless your pet is running marathons every day, it is unlikely that he/she needs to eat the full amount recommended. For most house pets, proper portions are closer to half of the amount posted on the bag.

Trap #2: It looks like so little food in the bowl.
Many of the pet food bowls on the market are simply huge. Many popular breeds are very petite. Get a smaller bowl and violá - you are feeding a full bowl of food! Be sure to measure that food with a measuring cup.

Trap #3: He/She is acting like she is starving.
There are many breeds of dogs and even some cats that are just programmed to be "food motivated." They always have an appetite for more, no matter how much you give them. It is really important to feed based on physiologic needs, instead of appetite.

Trap #4: He/She is always begging for table scraps so I give in.
In general, human food is not the best choice for pets. We often use too much seasoning and fat for their sensitive systems. In addition, what seems like a small bite for us is usually far too many calories for them. The best advice is not to start the habit of feeding table scraps in the first place. If you never give your pet what you are eating, they will not expect it. If you have already fallen victim to those adorable eyes and your pet is expecting a bite every time you enjoy a meal, then it is best to remove them from the area where you eat. Put them in another room or a crate. They may protest at first but will soon learn that this is now how things are done.

Despite being aware of all of the traps, some pet owners may find their pet gaining weight and need some professional help from their veterinarian. Metabolic problems and health issues can interfere with weight loss. Some pets just need to be on a prescription weight loss food. If you are struggling with your pet's weight problem do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Check out our handout on pet obesity for additional information.