It's time for the New Year, and many people make resolutions for themselves.  One of the most common resolutions made is to lose weight or get in shape.  Could this also apply to your pet?

Nearly 35% of dogs and cats are considered obese.  Even more are said to be overweight, though not obese...yet.  Just like with people, extra pounds in animals can cause problems such as diabetes, joint disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease and more.  While a pound may not sound like much to you and me, keep in mind that our average weight as adult humans is 150+ pounds.  An average cat weighs 8-10 pounds, so a pound of weight gain to a cat is like a human gaining 10 pounds.  An average, medium size mix breed dog typically weighs 40-50 pounds.  So 1 pound of weight gain is like us gaining 5 pounds.

While these numbers aren't exact, you get the point.  And it's not so much the number, but the body condition of your pet.  When your pet comes to Suburban for an exam, we give him or her a body condition score from 1 to 5.  A score of 1 is emaciated or extremely thin.  A score of 2 is a little underweight, can maybe see the ribs a little.  A score of 3 is PERFECT!  A score of 4 is a little overweight, and a score of 5 is obese.

To be given a body condition score (BCS) of 3, your pet should have a waist, a slight abdominal tuck, and you should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure.  With an overweight or obese pet, you cannot feel the ribs with light pressure, and there is little or now waist or abdominal tuck.  Often an obese pet also has extra skin rolls around the neck and tail base.

Weight loss for a pet is not always easy.  Like with humans, you must monitor what your pet eats and make sure he or she gets adequate exercise.  Sometimes just reducing the caloric intake helps, but often your pet may need a reduced fat food, or even a prescription diet such as Hill's W/D or R/D.  Treats are NOT a necessary part of your pet's life.  To them, a treat is something extra, often from your hand.  Dogs can have baby carrots, a piece of apple, or green beans as a snack.  Many times just an extra pice or two of kibble from your hand is treat enough for both dogs and cats.

Make sure your pet gets enough exercise each and every day.  As the weather gets cold and wet, both people and pets tend to become more sedentary, staying inside snug and warm.  A walk around the block daily with your dog is a good start.  Even a couple minutes outside throwing a ball, or just walking around the yard with your dog.  Cats often enjoy laser pointers or a remote controlled mouse to chase.  Try a variety of toys to see what interests your kitty the most. 

You may also hide your pet's meal in a couple different places.  For example, place half of your pet's breakfast in one room, and half in another room. This makes your pet move around a little more to find their food.  This is especially good for cats.

So for weight loss in pets, just like in humans, it's about eating right, counting calories, and getting enough exercise.  All of this can help make for a healthy, happy pet.  Your pet is welcome to come by anytime for a free weight check and body condition analysis (please call ahead to avoid a long wait).  We'll be happy to access your pet's condition and help you come up with a feeding and exercise program to help your pet lose weight.

This year include your pets in your New Year's resolutions!  We at Suburban Animal Clinic wish you and your pets a happy and healthy New Year!