Animal Obesity
Obesity is a huge concern for our pets health. In fact, it is the #1 threat that pets face, causing all sorts of medical complications from a shorter overall life span, to chronic inflammation, respiratory disease, bone/joint diseases, metabolic disease, kidney disease and skin disease.
Without learning and understanding weight management in our pets we are leaving them at risk to many health consequences and potentially a shorter life span. Unfortunately, obesity is on the rise. It is up to pet owners and their veterinarian to manage this pet health epidemic.
Body Condition Score (BCS)
When your pet is seen by the veterinarian they will often give your pet a body condition score (BCS). This is based off of the feel of your pet. Charts are available to help vets and owners decide on a score. Scores are out of 9 points. 1-3 are considered too thin, 4-5 are ideal, and 6-9 is considered overweight to obese. Stats estimate that 59% of cats and 55.8% of dogs are overweight to obese (BCS 6-9) in the USA in 2018. Numbers are thought to be similar in Canada.
Managing Animal Obesity
Obesity can be managed. Overweight pets are often the result of overfeeding or a lack of exercise. To help manage your pet’s weight, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian to ensure they are getting the right amount of calories for their size and activity level.
Using a measuring cup can help you provide the correct portion of food each day. It’s also important to avoid giving too many treats, especially if they aren’t included in the total daily calorie count.
Increasing physical activity—such as adding more walks or playtime—can make a big difference, and trying new types of exercise like swimming or hiking can keep things fun and engaging for both you and your pet.
For more information, visit: https://petobesityprevention.org
Additional Resources:
Obesity Infographic PDF