Fatness, obesity or overweight is the common nutritional problem in pets. It is characterized by excess of fatty tissue deposition in the body. Breeds like Labradors, Collies and Cocker Spaniels are much more prone to obesity. Obesity is the cause of many health problems in pets leading to heart, lung, liver diseases, diabetes and skin problems. Such pets have more illness and shorter life span.
Causes of Obesity
- Over-eating
- Excessive protein rich food intake with less activity
- Inadequate exercise
- Metabolic of glandular disorders
- Hormonal issues
Clinical Symptoms
- Fatty appearance and overweight are common symptoms of obesity.
- Obesity develops gradually and owners are often unaware of the pet’s overweight condition. The overweight may cause joint diseases, decreased stamina and fatness, which in turn may lead to heart problems, breathing issues, decreased activity, liver problems, diabetes, skin disorders, fatigue, digestive upset and early death.
How to manage obesity in pets?
- Reduce food intake of the pet by about 10-20% and provide him sufficient exercise each day.
- Keep the check on pets weight and measurements.
- Take him for a longer regular walks, preferably a place where you can safely allow him off the lead.
- Encourage the pet to take more strenuous exercise by getting him to retrieve sticks and balls.
- In case the pet coughs or pants excessively due to exercise do not persist, but consult your veterinarian.
- Put him to low calorie diet containing not more than 2% fat and reduced level of easily digestible carbohydrates.
- You can feed him boiled vegetables like cauliflower, potato, sweet potato, peas, beetroot and fruits like papaya, banana, watermelon, pomegranates, apple (without seeds), muskmelon, etc.
- Do not give too much treats to the pets.
Fitness Quiz for Your Pet
Your answers to the following questions will indicate the fitness of your pet:
| Questions | Fixed Score | Your Score |
| 1. Shape of the pet | ||
| Ribs are visible clearly | (1) | |
| Ribs be felt but not seen | (2) | |
| Ribs be neither felt or seen | (3) | |
| 2. Exercise | ||
| Does your pet exercise himself by playing with a ball? | Often (1) Seldom (2) Never (3) | |
| Do you take your pet for a walk? | Daily (1) Most days (2) Never (3) | |
| Is your pet keen to go for a walk regardless of the weather? | Always (1) Sometimes (2) Never (3) | |
| Does your pet pant after a moderate exercise? | Never (1) Sometimes (2) Always (3) | |
| 3. High temperature intolerance | ||
| Does your pet pant when lying in the sun outside and move to a cooler place? | No (1) Sometimes (2) Often (3) | |
| 4. Eating habits | ||
| Does your pet beg for scraps? | Never (1) Sometimes (2) Often (3) | |
| Does your pet refuse some food? | No (1) Sometimes (2) Often (3) | |
| Does your pet eat its meal completely within five minutes? | No (1) Sometimes (2) Yes (3) |
Assessment of Fitness by Scorecard
| Your Total Score | Fitness Guide |
| 10 – 14 | Normal fit pet. |
| 15 – 20 | Pet tending to fat. Start dietary control and increase exercise. |
| 21 – 24 | Overweight (consult your vet) |
| 25 – 30 | Obese (Too much overweight – consult your vet) |
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