Many of us have stepped onto the scale at a doctor’s office, watched the numbers on the digital display slowly creep upward, and waited for the doctor’s lecture about weight, BMI, and how being overweight or obese can contribute to — or even cause — serious health issues. However, it may surprise you to know that your fat pet could be similarly affected by its weight. After all, who does not love a chubby cat or a roly-poly puppy? National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 14th. Do your dog or cat a favor and learn all you can about the condition to prevent your best animal friend from becoming a statistic.

Feeding Problems Related to Pet Obesity

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 60% of cats and 56% of dogs were overweight in 2018. This statistic is especially concerning when you consider that most domesticated animals are fed meals exclusively by their human companions.

Are we, as pet owners, to blame for our pets’ obesity? This may be the case. Most dogs do not understand when to stop eating, so they must be fed a pre-portioned amount only twice a day. If you also feed your dog multiple treats a day, it may begin to expect these in addition to meals. Similarly, if food is left out for a housecat to munch on, it is likely to eat out of boredom or stress instead of waiting for true hunger to prompt it to look for a meal.

The Health Risks of Pet Obesity

When you have an obese pet, or a pet that has been on the brink of being overweight for much of its life, it helps to know the signs of weight-related pet health problems. Obese dogs and cats, for example, are prone to diabetes, heart disease, difficulty breathing, liver problems, and digestive issues. If you think this sounds similar to a human’s risks, you would be correct. Carrying a lot of extra weight, in addition to posing these health risks, can significantly shorten the lifespan of any animal.

The Cost of Pet Obesity

If you are not already cringing at the idea of your pet developing multiple health issues due to its weight, you may balk at the idea of what these maladies may do to your budget. Dog and cat diabetes are similar to human diabetes: Many of the pets with this disorder need lifelong insulin shots that can cost you a pretty penny. Heart and liver disease may need medication or costly surgery to repair. Many owners, at the end of these pets’ lives, choose to euthanize these animals instead of treating their costly diseases. This scenario can be heartbreaking for everyone involved — especially because obesity can be easily prevented.

The next time you see a fat puppy or a gigantic fluffy cat, remember that while it may be adorable, it might be suffering from insidious health issues. Do your part and spread awareness regarding pet obesity and its risks so that your friends’ and family's pets do not experience this common precursor to disease. If you would like more information on pet obesity and its related conditions or if you are concerned about your own pet’s health, contact Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian as soon as possible.