Obesity is an important issue for pet owners. Australian research estimates that 41% of dogs and 32% of cats are overweight. Just like us, an overweight pet often faces a range of health problems and it can have a significant impact of their quality of life.

So how can you tell if your pet is overweight? We have identified five warning signs to look out for in an overweight pet.

1. Unable to feel pet’s rib’s with light pressure

Next time you are giving your pet a belly rub, check that you can feel their ribs by simply placing your hands around their chest. With light pressure, you should be able to feel their ribs (not see them which can indicate they are underweight). If you need to dig around to find them, there may be too much fat covering their ribs and its time to look at their diet and exercise program.

2. No noticeable waist when viewed from above or side

When you look at your dog from above, you should be able to clearly spot their waist. From the side you should be able to see a nicely tucked in abdomen. If there is no curve or tuck, rather one straight line, it can indicate a weight problem.

3. Lack of interest in physical activity and reduced stamina

Did your dog used to be energetic and regularly hassle you to go for a walk, play, fetch and now they prefer to simply lay around on the couch? Or did they used to follow you around everywhere and now they don’t? Are they playing for a shorter period of time or wanting to finish their regular walk early? It may be that they find exercising exhausting, as they are carrying too much weight.

4. Pet is obsessed with food

Your pet needs a complete and balanced diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whilst many pets will follow you around the kitchen it’s important to ensure they are eating a nutritious diet and not snacking all the time to the point that they become overweight. If they are always pestering you for food or getting aggressive at meal times they may have gotten into bad habits that could lead to weight gain.

5. You had to loosen your pets collar several times in the past year

Once your pet has come out of their puppy or kitten stage and finished growing, they shouldn’t continuously grow bigger. If you notice that you are having to keep adjusting their collar it could mean that they are gaining weight.

Tips to slim down your overweight pet

There are several ways to help your pet achieve a healthy weight:

Speak to your local vet – before launching a weight loss plan, get in touch with your local vet. They can give your pet a full check over, make sure there is no underlying health issues and provide you with a tailored weight loss program.
Complete and balanced diet – Your vet will be able to provide recommendations about the type of food and amount to give your pet each day to achieve a healthy weight. Including treats in the overall calorie intake for the day is important too.
Exercise – all pets need exercise for physical and mental health. Find activities you both enjoy such as gentle walks, swimming and playtime.
Commitment – achieving success in your pets weight loss requires commitment from both you and your family. For example, one family member sneaking in treats and extra food can derail the weight loss program.
Keep track of progress – weigh your pet regularly and keep track of their progress. Celebrate and reward your pet’s progress with playtime and exercise, rather than food.
Stay positive - It can be challenging for some pet parents to embark on a weight loss program for their furry loved one. It can be hard not to give into those begging eyes. Belly rubs, playtime and positive praise are all great alternatives. Also, think about their long term health when they achieve their weight loss goal.

If you are concerned about your pets weight or want to get started on a healthy weight loss program for your pet, call us to make an appointment on 03 8784 4444.

5 Warning signs of obesity in pets