Pets need to watch weight, too

Since our companion animals don’t need to quit smoking, save more money or become better people, let’s focus on the one big resolution that could improve their well-being in 2007: They need to lose a few pounds.

Around 40 percent of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese, and it is their most common nutritional disease. While there is some hereditary influence, and there are medical problems that can contribute to obesity, the issue for most pets is too little exercise and too much love. Wait. I meant to say food, not love. Although we pet owners are constantly getting one confused with the other, love and food are not the same thing.

We give treats to show our cats we love them. We feed our dogs until they are full. This can be a big mistake.

Do you know how much food it takes to fill up a Labrador Retriever? No one does, because it has never been done. And, just as it is unhealthy for us to leave every meal stuffed to the gills, the same is true for our pets. The key to success in following through with a resolution is motivation. Dogs and cats don’t suffer social isolation and discrimination because they are obese. (Getting scolded by your vet once a year apparently doesn’t fill you with dread.)

Your pet enjoys eating, and you enjoy feeding your pet. So where’s the payoff? We know our pets would look better, move more easily and suffer from fewer and less severe diseases if they were lean.

Osteoarthritis, a painful and debilitating disease, is one of the most common side effect of obesity. Once it develops, weight loss becomes more difficult because pets may be reluctant to exercise and risk more pain. Heart, lung and skin problems are all more difficult to manage in overweight pets.

How much is too much

How do you know if your pet is overweight? In general, you should be able to easily feel (but not see) your dog or cat’s ribs. Your pet should look narrower at the waist (behind the ribcage) from both a side view and when standing above looking over the back.

If you’re not sure, ask your vet. It is really important to discuss a weight-loss program with your vet before starting. Some dogs have impaired thyroid gland function which will make success with weight loss difficult if not impossible until treated. Cats need some monitoring during weight loss to make sure they do not develop a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome). For rabbits and guinea pigs your vet can recommend some dietary modifications, but you must never withhold food from these species. Also, your vet may recommend prescription diet foods to make weight loss easier. There are high fiber diets for dogs and high protein diets for cats specially formulated to help them lose fat at a healthy pace.

An ounce of prevention

Ideally, we will prevent obesity by taking care of our pets and doing what is right for them before there is a problem. Here are some tips to keep your pet trim and healthy:

•Feed a high-quality pet food appropriate for your pet’s stage of life.

•Put a measuring scoop in the food bin to measure out the appropriate amount of food each day.

•Most dogs should have at least 30 minutes of exercise (walking, jogging, or playing fetch) every day.

•Play with cats with wand toys, laser pointers, or by throwing toys they like to chase. A couple of 10 minute sessions a day is ideal.

•Caged or confined animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets need daily exercise outside their enclosure.

•Avoid treats and table scraps. When training a new pet, measure out their daily allotment of food, put it in a jar or baggie and give them rewards out of that. Whatever is left at the end of the day constitutes the evening meal.

•Check your pet’s body condition frequently. Especially for long haired pets, we cannot tell if they are too fat or too thin without feeling them carefully. Report any noted changes to your vet.

A new lease on life

You may feel your pet has slowed down and sleeps a lot because he is getting older, but if your pet is overweight, you can give him a new lease on life. He’ll be more active and feel better at his ideal weight. Even if your overweight pet is a bundle of energy and seems to feel great, you can feel better knowing you are reducing the risk of weight-related health problems as he gets older.

Resolve to make 2007 a healthier year for yourself and for your best friend.