THE GROWING PROBLEM OF OBESITY IN PETS

The vets in our Championvet.com veterinary practices in Glasgow, Paisley and Grangemouth are reporting increasing levels of obesity in the pets crossing their consulting table. This applies to dogs, cats and rabbits. In common with the well-known epidemic of human obesity in the UK and other developed countries, the problem appears to be spiralling out of control, and owners do not appear to aware of the seriousness of the problem.  There has been an estimated 400% increase in obesity in pets over the past 25 years in the UK! Some studies suggest that up to 59% of dogs and 52% of cats are considered to be overweight by their vets.

 In fact many pet owners do not even recognise that their pet is overweight! It may be the case that as the population (of pets and humans!) becomes fatter, we are less likely to recognise it. Only 30% of dog owners with overweight dogs recognised that they were overweight!  However, in another study about two thirds of owners with overweight pets believed they could do something about it! And just like in humans, this can generally be avoided by correct feeding and reasonable exercise levels. 

There are a handful of diseases which can contribute to weight gain. Champion vets work with their patients to diagnose any contributing factors and correct them. Examples of these are canine hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) and osteoarthritis (painful joints) causing reduced mobility and exercise. Neutering of male and female dogs and cats reduces the calorie requirement and can cause obesity unless the food is adjusted accordingly.

Champion vets always endeavour to educate owners as to the potential dangers of obesity. Any of these reduce the overall life expectancy and quality of life of the pet. The main risks are given below:

Orthopaedic problems. Excessive bodyweight puts strain onto the bones and joints causing problems with getting around and secondary pain. It is estimated that 24% of obese dogs have some sort of orthopaedic problems such as arthritis and that weight loss can reduce the need for major surgery (such as hip replacement) in these animals. Fat dogs are more likely to suffer from the effects of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cruciate disease due to the increased weight being carried on diseased joints.

Diabetes. High blood sugar levels are often found in obese animals and the body copes with this by the production of more insulin. This can lead to clinical diabetes – which is difficult, distressing and expensive to treat.

Heart and lung disease. Excess weight puts increased strain on the heart and increases the work it needs to do. It also increases the body’s oxygen requirements. Blood vessels become less healthy and the risks of congestive heart failure and stroke increases.

Skin disease and dermatitis. Our vets find the incidence of skin disease increases in obese patients. This is for a number of reasons but one of these is the increased skin folds in dogs and rabbits, trapping moisture and bacteria and causing disease. Overweight cats cannot groom themselves effectively, leading to skin disease and parasitism.

Reproductive problems. Male animals have reduced libido and females have a higher incidence of dystocia (birth problems) due to narrowing of the birth canal with fat. This is a particular concern in breeds which already are known for birthing difficulties, such as bulldogs and some breeds of pedigree cats.

Reduced immunity. There is evidence that obesity in cats and dogs reduces their immune defences, making them more prone to other diseases.

Increased anaesthetic risk. Obesity can present a number of anaesthetic challenges and our vets are very aware of these. Some of the reasons for this are given above. Sadly we are often forced to postpone essential surgery until the pet has been placed on a strict diet, to reduce these risks. With obese animals requiring urgent surgery this is not possible and the risks of complications are simply increased.

HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG OR CAT TO LOSE WEIGHT

Time and time again our vets find that weight loss is often unsuccessful if left to owners own devices – however well-meaning they may be. A proper weight loss programme, supervised on a regular basis by vets or veterinary nurses, and using a proper diet food, has a much greater chance of success.  Just like Weight Watchers! Our first job however is to get the owner to recognise that their pet is overweight and that they can do something about it. To be honest, since a not insignificant proportion of our client base is overweight, this often requires some diplomacy!

Our first job is to ensure that all the family are totally committed to the weight loss programme.  Without this, it will fail. We of course ensure, by clinical examination and blood samples, that there is no underlying cause of the weight gain. We weigh and measure the animal and create a chart for the owners. The pet is started on a specialist diet food such as Hills RD or Royal Canin Obesity at a specific amount daily depending on the target weight. This is introduced gradually over 7 to 10 days to allow the animal to get used to it. It is vitally important that cats get some food every day! Total starvation can cause serious medical consequences.

An appropriate exercise programme is drawn up for the pet taking into account the pet’s medical state and the owner’s lifestyle. Any osteoarthritis is treated with painkillers such as Metacam or Rimadyl and glucosamine supplements such as Seraquin or Cosequin, to improve mobility and thus burn more calories. The metabolic rate of obese animals is often reduced and exercise stimulates an increase in the calorie burn of the animal even at rest.

Obese pets are monitored in the clinic every three weeks, adjusting the programme to allow for a steady and safe weight loss. Often the first 2-3 weeks are disappointing and there is little weight loss, although the animal might look slimmer.

Once animals are down to their desired weight, our vets will recommend an appropriate maintenance food, such as Hills Science Plan Light, Hills WD or Royal Canin Satiety or Royal Canine Neutered Male/Female. Regular monitoring of the pet’s weight, either in the clinic or at home, is essential to prevent it creeping on again!

If you are concerned about your pet’s weight, and the potential consequences of obesity, please contact us at Championvet.com and we will be pleased to help.