Paws for Health: Tackling Pet Obesity

Our beloved pets often share the same health challenges as us, and some of them can struggle to maintain a healthy weight. In Australia, approximately 44% of dogs and 40% of cats are grappling with the issue of being overweight or obese. Unfortunately, this excess weight can lead to a shorter lifespan and a host of health issues that necessitate careful management.

At the Ark, we recognise the significance of proper nutrition and exercise in preserving your pet’s well-being. Our team have access to the latest research and continued education to assist your companion in maintaining their ideal weight.

In this article, we will cover:

Assessing Your Pet’s Weight: A Visual Guide
Understanding the Causes of Pet Obesity
Strategies to Help Your Pet Attain a Healthy Weight
The Ark’s Weight Loss Programs
Quick Facts About Pet Obesity
Top Tips for a Healthier Pet

Is my pet overweight or obese? Assessing your pet’s weight

One of the best ways to visually gauge how much weight your pet is carrying is their body condition. This easy-to-follow scale assesses how your pet looks from the side and from above, and how prominent certain bones are.

Some questions to ask yourself:

Is it difficult to feel their ribs?
Do they lack a discernible waist?
Are they reluctant to engage in physical activity?
Do they tire easily during exercise?
Do they exhibit a waddling gait when walking?
Do they frequently get table scraps or leftovers?
Have you found it necessary to loosen their collar frequently in the past year?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, or you pet falls into the orange or red categories on the body condition chart, they may benefit from a weight management program. These programs vary in their content, customised to your pet’s individual needs – from portion control and an exercise regime to prescription diets or medication, the Ark vets and nurses can make a plan for your furry friend!

Understanding the cause of pet obesity:

Excessive Treats

This is a common issue, especially in puppies, who receive too many treats as rewards for good behaviour. While food rewards are beneficial during training, it’s equally vital to reward them with affection and positive attention to establish healthy habits that won’t lead to a demand for treats in adulthood.

When you do give your puppy treats, subtract an equivalent amount from their daily food allowance to maintain a healthy weight as they grow.

Leftovers

Our dogs and cats can be incredibly persuasive when it comes to requesting leftovers. Those pleading puppy dog eyes and persistent meows can be hard to resist.

However, feeding them leftovers can have detrimental effects on their health. Human foods often contain ingredients that can be harmful to cats or dogs, even in small quantities. It can also be too calorie-rich for your pet, with a small amount exceeding their daily calorie requirements.

Some of the more widely known foods include chocolate and onions, but grapes, macadamias and avocados can also be toxic to our furry companions.

Age

As pets age, it’s common for them to put on weight due to reduced physical activity combined with an unchanged feeding routine.

Aging pets require less food, so it’s crucial to adjust their diet as they grow older while maintaining an appropriate level of activity.

Strategies to help your pet attain – and maintain – a healthy weight:

Assess your pet’s weight

If you suspect your pet is overweight, don’t hesitate to contact the Ark team. We offer FREE nurse consultations to help determine your pet’s ideal body condition and establish a personalised nutrition and exercise plan to get them to their healthiest and happiest state.

Get active with your dog

Physical activity is vital for pets of all sizes. Whether you have an energetic greyhound or a dachshund with shorter legs, daily walks are essential. Regular exercise helps manage your dog’s weight, expends their energy, and provides mental stimulation through new sights and social interaction.

Engage your cat in play

Cats enjoy playtime, which also taps into their inner wild cat. Think of those giant pupils and laser focus when you have their favourite toy!

You can find cat toys (and even sturdier small dog toys) in pet stores, but everyday household items like toilet rolls and crumpled paper can also become engaging playthings.

Just a few minutes of play a couple of times a day can greatly benefit their physical and mental well-being, while strengthening the bond between you and your feline friend.

Just make sure to store everything in a safe place after playtime, lest they nibble on something they shouldn’t!

Weight management with the Ark

Helping your pet shed those extra kilos can be quite a challenge, but fear not – we’re here to assist in getting started.

At the Ark, we design comprehensive weight loss programs tailored specifically to your pet’s needs. Our approach considers factors such as their breed, life stage and activity level to determine their ideal weight and establish realistic weight loss goals. Together, we’ll create a custom diet and exercise regime to help them achieve these goals.

When you and your pet begin their weight loss program, you’ll gain access to a range of resources including regular nurse check-ups, food recommendations, ongoing monitoring of your pet’s weight and expert guidance every step of the way.

If you’re interested in learning more about combating pet obesity or embarking on a weight loss journey for your furry companion, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at 02 9416 1300 or book an appointment online.

Fast facts about pet obesity

Dogs are more prone to weight control issues than cats.
Females, neutered pets, indoor-dwellers and those in single-pet households are at a higher risk of weight problems.
Obesity in pets is linked to various health issues, including osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and liver disease.
Overweight pets are at an increased risk of complications during surgery.
Around 95% of pet obesity cases can be managed through dietary and exercise adjustments, with surgical intervention or medication necessary in a very small proportion of cases.

Top Tips for Walking Your Dog

If you’ve fallen behind on regular dog walks, here are some helpful tips to help you get back on track:

Add Variety: Keep both you and your dog engaged by varying your routes. Consider taking a different path around the block; spice it up with a brisk 20-minute walk; or explore a dog-friendly piece of wilderness (on a leash, of course). If your dog has been missing social interaction, take them to a dog park where they can mingle off-leash (if safe to do so) and make new furry friends.
Combine Exercise: Incorporate your dog’s exercise routine into your own. Whether you’re starting with a 10-20 minute walk or prefer a jog, bring your canine companion along to enjoy the outdoors together. Remember it’s important to bring water for both yourself and your canine companion!
Socialise: Make dog walking a social activity by coordinating walks with a friend who also has a dog.
Involve the Family: Encourage your children to take your dog for a walk in the afternoon. It’s a great way for kids to burn off energy, bond with their pet, and learn responsibility while keeping your dog active and happy.