Have you heard of Obie the dachshund? You know, the one who tipped the scales at 77 pounds (35 kilograms) when an average dachshund weighs 16-32 pounds (7.3-15 kg). Fortunately, Obie has lost weight and is living a much healthier life now. One of the biggest health problems facing pets these days is the struggle with weight. Pets that are overweight, unfortunately, are at higher risk for diabetes, worsening of arthritis, and heart or breathing problems. Sure, we, as veterinarians up north, make some allowances in the springtime as we expect a lot of pets to gain weight over the winter. I know I do, and I’ve got to work to lose what I put on. Strangely, our dogs & cats do not gain weight during the colder months. So what’s our secret? No, we don’t do liposuction. It really is common sense but part of a larger, overall plan.
Part 1: EXERCISE
Spring and summer are the time of year for everyone, including the family pet, to get out and be active. I think many people can be guilty of a little too much couch time (I’ll confess I have been) or not getting Fido out as much due to high temperatures. There is a movement by the National Football League to get kids outside to play 60 minutes a day and be active. So is 30-60 minutes too much to ask for your dog? Just be sure to take along a travel bowl and some water if you plan on any outdoor excursions. But what about the winter? You can get your pet exercising by playing indoors with them or working on training. Just getting them moving will help burn some calories and put them on a healthy track.
Part 2: MEDICAL
Very commonly, when we discuss weight problems with your cat or dog, it is usually due to them being too thin or losing weight, and this is typically related to a medical issue such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or cancer. But what about the other side of the coin when your pet seems to have put on a little extra weight? There are some medical conditions that will cause weight gain or give the appearance of it. If your pet is gaining or losing weight, it is necessary for your veterinarian to examine them to help rule out medical issues in formulating a weight management plan.
The most common is hypothyroidism, which tends to affect middle-aged to older dogs where metabolism is decreased by a lack of thyroid hormones. Some breeds do have a predisposition, such as Golden Retrievers, Boxers, & Dachshunds, to name a few. Another disease that may give the appearance of weight gain is hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease). This condition is marked by an increased level of cortisol in the body, which, among other clinical signs, leads to muscle weakening of the abdominal muscles and subsequent abdominal distension or a pot-bellied appearance. For cats, abdominal distension (if not due to weight gain), is often a sign of fluid accumulation due to heart or liver disease for example.
Part 3: FOOD CHOICE & PORTIONS
(This is the most important part!) – Two things I stress with all my clients are counting calories and measuring food portions. Many people choose to use a “weight control” diet from an over-the-counter brand. Unfortunately, not every brand lowers the calories significantly, and their general maintenance diets are quite high. But more often, the issue is how pets are being fed. Oftentimes, multiple people are helping to feed the pets, animals are free-fed (just leaving a bowl out), or portions are not measured. This can lead to overfeeding and the dreaded weight gain. “But doctor, it’s impossible to feed my pets separately” or “If I don’t feed him, he cries all the time” are two common responses I get during this discussion.
Step 1
Always measure the food. Your veterinarian often will have plastic measuring cups from food companies they will give you so you can leave it in the bag.
Step 2
Discuss with your veterinarian the amount of calories your pet needs to maintain or lose weight and strictly adhere to it.
Step 3
Whether you have one pet or five pets, make them have a set mealtime. Don’t give in and let them snack when they cry out. If you have multiple pets, close one in the bathroom, one in a bedroom, get a baby gate…whatever, just separate them so that one pet is not overeating while another gets shortchanged. To adjust your free-fed pet to mealtimes, I recommend giving them 20-30 minutes with the food twice a day, then picking it up. Your pets will learn quickly that this is the time to eat.
Step 4
Limit treats and avoid table foods.
You may find that if you do nothing more than follow the 4 steps above, your pet can lose weight! You may not even have to change food, which is particularly useful for those picky eaters. As I wrap up here, I want to stress that when we discuss your pets’ weight, it is NOT a reflection on you. Veterinarians are merely an advocate for your pet. We have to be their voice. We truly want them to be healthy and live long happy lives. Weight loss and control are part of that process.
Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for a conversation with your veterinarian and regular medical care.
Written by Dr. Ryan Llera