Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic

Dogs and Cats with Ideal Weight You can easily feel a slight fat cover over their ribs. Their tail base has a smooth contour with a slight fat cover. When you look at them from the side you can see an abdominal tuck. Looking at them from overhead they have a well proportioned waist.
		Dogs and Cats who are Overweight They carry a moderate fat cover making it difficult to feel their ribs. Their tail base thicker and the bones are palable. Their side view shows no abdominal tuck while their overhead view shows their back slightly broadened at their waist.
				Dogs and Cats who are Obese These pets have a thick fat cover. It is hard to feel their ribs and their tail base is thickened and difficult to feel. From the side the fat hangs from the abdomen and there is no waist. From overhead their back is markedly broadened.

Left untreated overweight or obese pets can develope other health problems including:

• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• breathing problems
• fatty liver disease in cats
• arthritis
• joint problems
• skeletal problems
• skin disease
• diabetes mellitus.

Overeating is one of the common causes of weight gain. Pets who are allowed to eat at will and eat too much as well as those who are given too many treats in addition to their regular diet will put on excess weight. Pets who have a low active level may need to have their calorie intake decreased to prevent weight gain. This may be due to lack of exercise or due to age of older pets who are less active. A medical disorder may be causing the weight gain. Routine blood work and checking the thyroid function can help detect a medical problem. In the case of thyroid dysfunction, medication can be given to help regulate it.

Scientists from the Purina Pet Nutrition Research Department teamed up with specialists from universities around the United States to conduct a study at the Purina Pet Care Center in Gray Summit, MO. The Purina Life Span Study was a 14 year study that used 48 Labrador Retriever puppies from seven litters. They were divided into control or lean-fed groups. The study showed that the life span of the lean-fed group was extended by an average 1.8 years. This same group required treatment for chronic disease about 2 years later than the control group. Trigycerides, insulin levels, and late life lean body mass loss were better for the lean-fed group. During observation the control dogs exhibited more visible signs of aging such as grayinng around the muzzles, impared gait, and reduced activity.

Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's ideal weight and what you can do to regulate it. Many times it requires measuring out the pet's food, eliminating table scraps, and controlling treats. Other times it may mean a special diet that is low in calories or specially formulated for weight loss and weight maintenance. Make sure your pet receives adequate exercise, too.