By LAURIE C. WILLIAMS 

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 30 percent of Americans over the age of 20 are obese. So I suppose it’s no surprise that according to most veterinary and pet health sources, more than 40 percent of our dogs and cats are, too. Like our fast food, we’ve supersized our pets, and thus have led them in to dangerous territory.

Overweight dogs and cats are subject to the same health risks as overweight humans such as increased rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and joint problems.  A 14-year-life span study conducted by Purina found that treatment for some health conditions were delayed in lean-fed dogs that received 25 percent less food than their littermates in the control group. The leaner dogs required treatment nearly two years later than the heavier dogs with a higher percentage of body fat. But with all the advances in pet nutrition and veterinary medicine, why are pets fatter today than ever before?  There are several reasons:

1) We feed our pets too much. Yes, we have more of a variety and better foods available today, but even too much of a good thing can lead to problems. 

2) Lack of exercise and activity. Unfortunately most pets don’t get the amount of exercise they need to maintain their weight, let alone burn excess calories.  And just like humans, if an animal doesn’t burn excess calories, those calories are stored as fat.
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3) They may be eating the wrong food.  Today’s pet owner has so many choices, which is good, but can be mind boggling and confusing as well.  The right food for your pet should be determined by your pet’s individual needs based on age, lifestyle and health risks. Consult your veterinarian to help you figure out the best food for your pet.

And how do you know if your pet is overweight? 

The Rib Test – You should be able to easily feel your pet’s ribs, not see them.  There should be a slight amount of fat over the ribs, but each rib should be distinct to the touch. 

The Tail Test – If you lift the base of your pet’s tail, there should also be a slight covering of fat over this area, but you should be able to feel the bones underneath.  If the bones protrude, the pet is too thin, if you can’t feel any bones at all, the pet is very overweight.

The Spine Test –  Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over this area.  If these bones are visible, the dog or cat is too thin.  If you can’t feel the bones at all, the pet is overweight.

And lastly, how does your pet look?  When looking from above, you should be able to see a definite waist line.  From a side view, dogs and cats should have some tuck up in their abdominal area.  The amount of tuck up varies from breed to breed, but an overweight animal, regardless of breed, will usually have none.

If your pet is overweight, what should you do?  Pets lose weight the same way we do: eat less, exercise more, but their fate is in our hands.  If we continue to overfeed and don’t provide enough exercise they’re stuck where they are.  And while it’s difficult to ignore those big brown eyes begging for more food in their dish, I guarantee if you pick up their leash or grab a ball or Frisbee and head for the door, they’ll forget all about that food dish for the time being.  The best part is you’ll not only help them get healthier but you’ll be boosting your relationship as well.