Battling weight gain in our pets
This time of the year gym memberships increase dramatically and you hunt round in the shed for those hand weights, strap on the new trendy ipod, or, like me, start walking or biking to work in the mornings.
Summer means fewer clothes, more visible bulge and less excuse for hot pies. Excessive weight or (say it quietly – obesity) can be a touchy subject during my day.
Arnie beat all records when he waddled in to the hospital this week. He used to be a bull terrier, but he looked like a tight, white balloon with a toy head and little legs at each corner.
I still can’t believe he was walking, he was so overweight. And his weight wasn’t entirely his fault, as he had been on long-term medication that resulted in excessive weight gain and fluid retention. I managed to convince Dan and Mary to taper Arnie’s medication to begin with and enrol in a regular weigh in every two weeks, for a start.
At least they were receptive to a little discussion and suggestions, but it can be a delicate subject at times. I’ve had husband and wife have a little terse discussion about who was at fault with the titbits.
But, we aren’t health nuts. We are only trying to help, as an overweight furry friend is more likely to suffer from diabetes, breathing problems, urinary tract disease and difficulty walking, as well as a shortened lifespan.
Our record for a cat was an 11-kilogram monster who, needless to say, didn’t fit any standard carry cage.
The main reasons for excessive weight in my patients are:
- Excessive food
- Associating affection with food treats rather than pats or stroking. Extra factors involved include: - Low exercise levels
- Increasing age, with associated decreased metabolic rate and exercise level
- Certain breeds are more predisposed to eating, such as the four-legged vacuum, otherwise known as the labrador
- Neutering also can lower metabolic rates and predispose to weight gain.
Feeding the right quantity of food per day is very difficult, if not impossible, with most wet foods like rolls, as often no specific amounts of food per kilo of body weight are recommended on the product.
Most people just cut off a slab or scoop out half a tin at a time. And, most importantly, we all fill their bowl and visually associate what they are getting with what we think will fill them up. Them and us don’t need to eat so much that them or us feel liked a stuffed chicken.
Dry or biscuit-type pet foods are much easier, as they usually recommend so many grams or cup fulls per 10kg body weight per day. And because you are feeding less of the dry food, as it is more concentrated, it is usually much cheaper.
Frequency of feeding is another common question. Twice-daily feeding is better, as more of the food is ‘‘burnt up’’ during the day and not stored as fat. But, the danger is the temptation to give just a little bit more at each meal, which increases the daily amount.
Treats are the No 1 fault. Cats, especially, and dogs are obviously much lighter than us. And, therefore, only a small increase in food will tip their calorie intake over the balance and result in weight gain.
Begging for food is a learnt behaviour. Supplement a reward or show your affection with a fiveminute play or a brush or a pat, not a bowl of milk or a biscuit.
Another problem is the general perception of what weight a particular breed of dog or cat should be. A general rule is: ‘‘You should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them, and they should have an obvious waist.’’ To be honest, if someone comments that your dog is too lean, then your pet is probably exactly the right weight, as most people perceive a heavy weight to be OK.
Losing that weight, just like us, is a slow and difficult process that requires a long-term commitment. It can take two months to see a difference in a cat’s weight, so it is important to set long-term goals and try to stick with the plan.
Weight loss in dogs is more obvious, due to their size, and owners are encouraged by the change early on.
Its also been shown that weight loss is usually far more effective than medication for most furry friends with arthritis in their later years. All the comparisons with us are true. And it is achievable with the right advice and the right food.
If you want help or just an info sheet, then drop in to Anderson’s Pet Hospital or give us a call – it’s free. We want to help you and your friend and we know we can make a big difference. 06 357 9993.