Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder seen in cats and dogs. The most recent figures reported in New Zealand claim 41% of dogs and 32% of cats are considered to be obese. On average an overweight pet will live 2-5 years less than a pet with an ideal body weight. Health problems appear when body fat exceeds 15% above ideal body weight.

Obesity is a serious problem in pets and can be the cause of many problems we see here in the vet clinic. Obesity predisposes animals to a range of health problems and puts your pet at risk of one or more of the following:

Diabetes Mellitus

Heart Disease

Degenerative Joint & Orthopaedic Disease (DJD)

Joint Stress/musculoskeletal Pain

Exercise Intolerance

Insulin Resistance

Glucose Intolerance

Increased Surgical and Anaesthetic Risks

Neurological Problems

Respiratory Problems

Cancer and Tumours

Skin Problems

Premature Aging

Heat Intolerance

High Blood Pressure

Reproductive Disorders

Decreased Quality of Life

Susceptibility to Infections

As with people, obesity is caused by overeating. Most obesity is caused simply because a pet eats more calories than they need. The excess calories are then stored as body fat. We have little control over some contributing factors; eg. Breed, sex, hereditary problems and age. However, we can control over-feeding and exercise.

Reasons why a pet becomes obese include:

Excessive calorie intake.

Inappropriate use of snacks, treats and supplements (human treats and snacks).

Lack of exercise.

Appetite-stimulating drug therapy.

Social factors (i.e. multi-pet households).

Decreased energy requirements eg. Hypothyroid disease.

Desexed pets are linked more frequently to obesity.  By removing organs that produce hormones your pet's metabolism may be slowed. Adjusting your desexed pet's diet and exercise regime will keep your pet trim and healthy. 

For information on how to help your pet lose weight, see our Weight Loss Clinic page.

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