Our pets, just like ourselves, are becoming fatter - bringing with it severe risks to health.  At a time when up to 60% of our pets are overweight and obesity in dogs has risen by 4% to 21% in the last 3 years*, the serious risks to our pets’ health have to be addressed.  Not only are our pets facing the prospect of being constantly lethargic and short of breath, there is increased risk of serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.  These animals also have a shorter life expectancy than pets of an ideal weight. 

Although there are ‘normal’ weight guidelines for specific dog breeds, an easy way to assess if a pet is overweight is by feel - you should be able to feel their ribs (without having to press too hard) and they should have a visible waistline.  A thorough examination of an overweight pet by a vet helps rule out underlying disease whilst providing the ideal opportunity to discuss a weight reduction programme involving both diet and sensible exercise.  The vet can also assess what the pets target weight should be.  

As with any diet, weight needs to be lost slowly and gradually – as a guide, a pet should lose no more than 1-2% of its body weight each week.  Regular weigh-ins help to confirm steady progress and motivate the owner to continue the regime.  Once a pet loses weight, the owner should notice they have a happier, more energetic pet whilst realising they have helped reduce the risk of serious (and expensive) conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Diet on its own however, is not enough.  Although the pet may lose weight, it is also important to gradually build up exercise to help improve fitness levels.  Exercise can, with some imagination, be fun.  Varying the types of exercise from a game in the park to swimming, or club-based activities such as dog agility or fly ball help reduce boredom for both owner and pet.  Local vets and pet shops can usually advise of clubs in the area.

Most importantly, to make a weight control programme successful, it needs to involve the whole family.  There is no point in one person being strict with the pet if the rest of the family are spoiling him when their back is turned. After all, a healthier lifestyle will benefit the whole family, not just the pet.

* from a survey carried out on 4000 dogs by the PDSA in 2007.


Useful Diet Tips For Your Pet

• Weigh your pet and set achievable goals – reaching these goals will help encourage you.
• If you cut down your pets’ intake of food, reduce it by a quarter or a third.  If the portion looks pathetic, use a smaller bowl - you won’t feel as guilty or tempted to add a little extra.
• When giving your dog a treat, substitute fatty treats with healthy ones such as slices of carrot – it’s the act of reward rather than what it is that your dog should enjoy.
• Look at putting your pet on a reduced calorie diet and feed for the weight you want your pet to be not the weight it is now.
• Exercise!  Get your dog out on walks and play with your cat.  If your cat won’t play, get a harness to encourage it to move.  Remember to build the amount of exercise up gradually.
• Talk to your vet about hydrotherapy - swimming is fantastic exercise for overweight dogs as it reduces the strain on their joints.
• If you give your pet treats then take this into account at meal times and reduce the amount fed.