In Australia, an estimated 41 per cent of dogs and 32 per cent of cats are officially overweight and just like us humans, over-eating and sedentary lifestyles are to blame.
“Pet obesity is a real concern for Aussie pets and can lead to severe health concerns including heart problems, diabetes and arthritis,” explains Dr Rachel Chay, Chief Veterinarian at Greencross Vets.
She says it’s important owners are aware of their pet’s ideal weight so we can help our not-so-little mates shed a few unwanted kilos if needed, and ultimately live a long and healthy life.
How to tell if your pet is overweight
Like us humans, when pets are carrying a few extra kilos it can affect the way they act.
“Dogs may be unable or unwilling to exercise, there will be a loss of playfulness and they’ll sleep more,” says Dr Rachel. However you shouldn’t just rely on these signs as an indicator. “Most pets are overweight from a young age so most owners are not aware of their pet’s normal energy levels.”
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The best way to check if you pet is overweight is to do as veterinarians do.
“Vets use something called a Body Condition score to work out whether a pet is overweight – and this is something people can do themselves at home,” says Dr Rachel.
The way to do this is to look at your pet from above and from the side, then use the following chart to determine which category they fit into.
The Body Condition score chart for dogs (Charts courtesy of Greencross Vets).
The Body Condition score chart for cats.
The next step is to feel their waistline, in case fur is unfairly adding to their rounded physique.
“Have a feel of their ribs. You should be able to feel their rib cage under a light layer of fact, you don’t want to the ribs poking out,” says Dr Rachel.
These two factors combined should give you an indication of whether you pet falls into the overweight category, although if you have a dog you can also pop them on the scales to check if they are an ideal weight for their breed – as listed in the chart below.
What to do if your pet is overweight
“The first thing you should do is have a chat with your vet to see if there are any underlying disease or health issues,” says Dr Rachel, who then suggests increasing exercise and decreasing food, or switching the type of food you give them.
“Just a 15-minute walk or 10 mins with the ball in the yard can make all the difference – and consider changing to a premium or light food so your pet will still feel full, but without the calories.”
Being a little too tubby doesn’t mean pets have to go without either. If you usually give treats you can continue doing so – just make sure you count these extra nibbles as snacks. Dr Rachel also recommends considering other ways to treat your pet, after all they may just be craving attention from you, not just craving food.
“Time in the yard playing with ball or half an hour of brushing if you have a long-haired coat dog might mean just as much to your dog.”
