Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, precedes the start of Lent, a traditional time of fasting prior to the celebration of Easter. For some of our companion animals, Shrove Tuesday seems to be every day of the year, not just one. According to a study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats can be classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarians. And the number is growing each year.
Our pampered pooches and fluffy felines are beginning to resemble their guardians. With obesity on the rise among the human population, is it any wonder that our best friends, especially those who are truly family members, wouldn’t soon follow suit? Of course, none of them can open snack packages, or the refrigerator (although some clever dogs have managed that feat). So how come they’re expanding along with their guardians?
Weight gain occurs when there are too many calories coming in and not enough being expended. With the exception of some diseases that cause weight gain, most of our companion animals gain weight because we feed them too much and because they don’t get enough exercise. Once you have had your companion animal to your veterinarian for a complete physical to rule out any disease state, you’re ready to start a weight reduction program for Fido or Fluffy.
Obese animals—whether of the human, canine, feline, equine, etc., variety—are at risk for some serious diseases. In cats, especially, hepatic lipidosis can kill if not recognized and treated immediately. Therefore, any weight reduction program must be taken seriously, but it must also be taken slowly—no crash diets for our companion animals.
In the wild, animals aren’t presented with a smorgasbord of food. They have to expend some energy to capture their prey. They may eat only once a day or every other day. At home, many guardians free feed their animals, meaning they leave dry food down all the time so Fido or Fluffy can snack at any time. This is not healthy. Free feeding is probably the single biggest factor contributing to feline obesity. Snack food is a major contributor in canine weight gain.
If you have been free feeding, offer a few small meals throughout the day but leave the food down for short periods of time to help your companion adjust to the new schedule. Eventually, you can feed twice a day the correct portion for weight loss and eventually weight maintenance.
Just as with humans, carbs can create a problem for our cats and dogs. Carnivores need protein and fat, not carbs. So check labels of the foods you are feeding your feline and canine friends. Cut out the carbs and your companion will start to lose weight. Also be aware of the feeding guidelines on animal food labels. Often, they represent the high end of what an animal may need. Adjust feeding portions to help maintain a slow, gradual weight loss and then taper off to a maintenance level of feeding.
So, that’s the first component of a weight reduction program—proper nutrition in the proper amount. The second part is exercise. Engage your companion animal in playtime. Take your dog for a walk, and your cat if you can leash train him or her. If both of you are in motion, both of you benefit. Throw balls; some cats will fetch. For cats, have climbing posts with toys at the top to entice kitty to get some exercise. For your overweight dog, take him or her swimming. Be creative and be safe when it comes to exercising your companion animal.
If our cats and dogs are obese, it’s time to think about saving their lives through weight reduction. It could save yours, too.
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