Clinical Suite: Obesity in Dogs & Cats

Many owners think their overweight or obese pets are, in fact, normal. This misperception, coupled with other factors, can contribute to obesity, which can lead to chronic inflammation and a negative energy balance that results in increased difficulty managing comorbidities, predisposing patients to lameness from osteoarthritis, respiratory issues, shortened life expectancy, and poor skin and coat health.

Related Article: Discuss Pet Obesity with Clients

• Obesity, defined by a mature body weight that exceeds an ideal weight by 15%–20%, is the most common nutritional disease of dogs and cats.¹
• Like the rate of obesity in humans, the incidence of obesity in pets is increasing.²
• Risk factors include neutering, middle age, inactivity, indoor lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.^3,4
• Effects and mechanics of hyperinsulinism, glucose tolerance, and dietary or supplemental therapy for weight control and concurrent disease treatment are under investigation.⁵

• The primary cause is a human enabler—pets eat what clients provide, and most pet exercise reflects client lifestyle.
• Many clients assume processed or grain-based foods cause obesity, but obesity results from an excess of calories with a low energy expenditure, leading to weight gain.

• Obese patients usually show signs of concurrent disease: increased drinking and urinating, lameness and inability to move, increased respiratory effort or panting, and more frequent sleeping.

Related Article: Canine Obesity: When Veterinarians & Owners Disagree

• Body condition score (BCS) and muscle condition score
• Orthopedic examination and joint imaging for lameness or other comorbidities
• Examination to evaluate skin and coat health and ability to groom
• Minimum database (eg, CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, thyroid level, blood pressure)

• Dietary plans should coincide with exercise treatment plans (eg, walking, swimming, physical rehabilitation).
  • Plan should target 1%–2% body weight loss per week to minimize hunger, prevent loss of lean body mass, and reduce likelihood of rebound weight gain.⁵
  • Diet should contain fewer than 20% fat calories and may be formulated with a moderately fermentable fiber source, fatty acids, high-quality protein, L-carnitine, carbohydrate blends, chromium, or extra vitamin A.⁵
• Psychosocial and behavioral notes (eg, dependent owner eats only if pet shares the meal) are important for methods to implement change.
• Feeding strategies and food diaries (maintained by the client) are beneficial in some cases.⁵

• Conscious, lifelong attention to lean body weight and monthly BCS (4/9–9/9)
• Calorie restriction
• At puppy and kitten examinations, begin the conversation of maintaining lean body weight.