Pets - Dealing with pet obesity

It always makes me sad when I see a very overweight dog or cat lumbering along with labored breathing. I feel badly for them because, with few exceptions, their obesity is the direct result of their owner's failure to give them regular exercise, and at the same time, overfeeding them. Too much dog or cat food, endless table scraps, and pet treats with little or no exercise can only lead to weight gain. Just like with people, an overweight pet faces many illnesses related to obesity such as diabetes, arthritis, and joint pain. Actually, carrying excess weight puts greater demands on every organ of the body. The heart, the muscles, the ligaments, the circulation system and the respiratory system all can be harmed. Overweight animals have less endurance and less stamina. If your pet is overweight, her life expectancy will be at least 15 percent shorter than if she is fit and trim.

Interestingly, as the average weight of American children and adults has risen, so has the average weight of American pets. In each case, there has been a drop in activity and an increase in caloric intake. Children aren't riding their bikes as much, adults are not walking as much, and no one seems to have time to play string games with the cat or fetch with the dog. As a cat gets older he needs to be inspired to play. For a dog, the walk is essential throughout her life. Even if you have a fenced-in yard, dogs need the structure of a walk with a family member. If your dog pulls on walks, making it an unpleasant or even a dangerous experience, it may be time for an obedience course or for a refresher class.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), over 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are considered overweight or obese. APOP, an organization of veterinarians dedicated to reducing pet obesity, claims that obesity is the leading cause of preventable diseases and death in cats and dogs. These veterinarians point out that a few extra pounds on a small dog or cat is the equivalent to 30 to 50 extra pounds on a human. To learn more about this professional organization and the studies they have conducted, visit www.petobesityprevention.com.

In an effort not to overfeed your pet, follow the recommended portions on the package, taking into account your pet's age and weight. It is also a good idea to measure the food. If you decide to change your pet's food from one type to another, always make the change gradually. Sudden changes in diet can upset your pet's digestive system. In terms of treats for dogs, some like small pieces of crunchy apples or carrots. You can also purchase very small dog biscuits to occasionally reward good behavior. If you can't resist your dog's sorrowful eyes or her begging antics, put her outside or in another room while you are eating. 

Of course overeating is not always the owner's doing. Some breeds and some individual dogs are relentless "chow hounds." My black lab Vida has always eaten her food so quickly, people think I have been starving her. In her dog training classes, her teacher, Michael Dudley always said Vida was a food-driven dog that would do anything for a biscuit. My most enthusiastic eater, however, was my Beagle, Boo, who ate an entire turkey carcass one Thanksgiving. I had it on the counter ready to be made into a delicious turkey soup stock. But before I realized it, Boo ate every bone of that bird, lay on her back for a time with an enormous extended stomach, but never even got sick! My vet was amazed.

In this society we often equate love and food. But if your pet is overweight, you may need to show your love and affection with a tummy rub, a scratch behind the ears, a walk, or a game of catch, rather than with a big slice of your dinner pot roast. After all, if food is the only way you feel you can love them, you may just end up literally killing them with your misplaced love.

For further information on the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov or call (518) 885-4113. For more information on the Friends of the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, contact Sandy Zanone at (518) 583-1080. Also, if you have questions about your pets, pet adoption or other related topics, send them to jsweet@skidmore.edu. If we do not have the answers, we will contact people who do!