Our pets communicate with body language and no body language is greater than their eyes. We have all seen the sad eyes and the puppy dog eyes, you know, that look your pet gives you when the food bowl is empty and boy, it can be hard to resist.

Pets require stimulus which is given by either exercise or challenges like hiding treats, or going on a sniffing adventure. One of the most common reasons for pet obesity is boredom (that is true in humans too!). And for pets that require more stimulus, eating food or indulging in extra treats can help ease the feeling of boredom (that goes for humans, too)!

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The effect of pet obesity

We all spoil our pets, or occasionally skip a walk here or there, but it is important to consider the effect on their health if this becomes more regular than the odd time or two.

Lack of exercise and frequent overfeeding will lead to weight gain, and weight gain leads to pet obesity, and that puts your pet at risk for serious issues like Osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, diabetes and an increased risk of cancer.

Excess weight can also shorten the life expectancy of your pet.

How do I know if my pet is overweight?

The graph above is a useful tool and a good starting point to determine where they are at on the weight spectrum.

A physical check is also a good way to get an idea of their weight. If you feel their rib cage and can feel a layer of fat but still easily find their ribs then they are generally a healthy weight. If you feel mostly ribs, they could be underweight. If you can’t feel ribs or struggle to then they are most likely overweight.

Our Veterinary Nurses can perform body scores which determine if your pet is a healthy weight, or if they could use a little bit of an intervention to get them to where they need to be.

Create a healthy lifestyle for your pet

Diet

Diet is equally as important as exercise. Some pet foods contain high levels of fat and additives, some may be lacking in protein or fat. Finding the balance depends on a few things. Your pets breed, size and sometimes pallet too. Also your budget. Our Veterinary Nurses are happy to advise on foods and can do the research involved to find out if that food is right for your dogs needs.

However, don’t be put off – we can work with any food. All pet food passes industry testing, so no pet food is “bad”. It is a general rule of thumb that one type of food requires more per gram than another to get the same level of, for example, protein. However, it could mean you giving x% more fat. It can be complicated, but our nurses are here to help!

Another factor is water! – As in humans, sometimes a pet will eat when in fact they are thirsty. Make sure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water.

Exercise

Exercise is not just good for maintaining a healthy weight, but it good for your pets natural senses. Smelling, scent marking and interactions are all important factors for both physical and mental wellbeing. This includes yourself too!

Around the home, having toys and interactive toys is a must. When a pet is bored, they want to release energy or find something to do. If they don’t have access to toys or challenges, they may well find an alternative, and that could be your lunch! Or your sofa!

Don’t despair!

Maintaining a pets weight is important, but can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not seeing results. Nurse Consultations are 20 minutes at Orchard House Vets, and you can get expert advice on how to avoid pet obesity, or general dietary advice.