Animals – Pet obesity

Obesity isn’t just a human issue – our pets are also packing on extra kilos, which can lead to serious health risks. Overweight pets are more prone to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and joint issues like osteoarthritis. Obesity also affects their immune system, reduces heat tolerance and increases anesthesia risks. Studies show that lean pets live longer, have better mobility and enjoy an overall higher quality of life than their overweight counterparts. So, how can we help keep our pets fit and healthy? Here are some top tips:

Feed for fuel, not fun

What goes in must be used up, or it’s stored as extra weight. If your pet is consistently taking in more calories than they burn, those snacks add up quickly. Whether they’re chasing a ball or lounging on the couch, their intake should match their activity level. Keeping pets on a set feeding schedule rather than free-feeding helps control portions and prevents overeating. It’s also essential to remember that treats and table scraps count toward their daily intake, so if your pet gets extra snacks, adjust their next meal accordingly. For pets that need to shed kilos, specialised weight-loss diets can make a difference by keeping them feeling fuller with fillers like fibre or water – reducing calories without sacrificing satiety. While these diets aren’t always necessary, they simplify weight management by ensuring pets get essential nutrients even when calories are restricted.

Exercise: not just for humans

Regular walks, games of fetch, or even a good romp in the yard can make a world of difference for dogs. For cats, toys like laser pointers or feather wands encourage jumping, running and stalking behaviour. And exercise isn’t just about burning calories, it also keeps their joints flexible, supports heart health and provides mental stimulation, keeping them content and engaged.

Neutering and weight gain

Neutering offers important health and behavioural benefits, but it also affects your pet’s metabolism. Spayed or neutered pets experience about a 25 per cent drop in metabolic rate, making them more prone to weight gain. However, a lower metabolism doesn’t mean your pet has to get fat – just that we need to be more mindful about their feeding and exercise routines.

Know what ‘overweight’ looks like

Extra weight can be hard to spot under a layer of fur, but a simple test can help: run your hands over your pet’s sides – you should feel their ribs without pressing hard. If you’re only feeling spongy padding, it might be time to cut back on treats and boost activity. Checking with your vet can also help determine an ideal weight for your pet’s breed, size and age.

Keeping our pets trim isn’t about denying them treats – it’s about giving them the best chance at a long, healthy life.