We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Environment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Is Excessive Weight Dangerous for Pets?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,763
Share

Just like in humans, excessive weight can become very dangerous for pets, especially if it is not treated properly. Many of the same weight associated problems which afflict humans also appear in pets, and veterinarians estimate that up to 40% of pets may be overweight, which represents a substantial set of health problems for animals. Especially in the United States, pet obesity rates began to grow in the 1990s, due to unhealthy diets and exercise schedules for many pets. Overweight pets are prone to health risks and they have a poorer quality of life than their more fit counterparts.

Weighing a pet is not the best way to determine whether or not it is overweight. Most veterinarians use a physical examination which pet owners can replicate at home. To begin with, you should be able to feel the backbone and ribs of your pet with minimal palpation, although if these features are visible, the pet is underweight. When viewed from above, a pet's figure should resemble an hourglass, and when viewed from the side, there should be a visible “tuck” between the ribcage and the hindquarters. If a pet looks fat, it is fat, and steps should be taken to bring the pet's weight back to a healthy level.

When treating overweight pets, a veterinarian should always be consulted. Most pets become overweight because of diet and exercise, but tests should be undertaken to eliminate metabolic or other health problems as causes for the weight gain. In addition, a vet can advise the best diet and exercise plan for the pet. This is especially important with cats, as they can become very sick if they are subjected to sudden caloric reductions. Do not put overweight pets on a diet without talking with a veterinarian.

Some of the problems overweight pets can have include diabetes, gastrointestinal discomfort, liver problems, kidney malfunction, skin and hair problems, joint disease, heat intolerance, reproductive disorders, and difficulty breathing. Overweight pets are also at a greater risk for cancer, and they are at risk of more complications from anesthesia than healthy pets. Overall, overweight pets are more likely to have a decreased lifespan and quality of life.

The problem of overweight pets is largely caused by well meaning pet owners who do not understand how to feed their animals. The pet food industry has also promoted specific points of view about feeding which are not necessarily healthy for animals. As a general rule, table scraps and treats should be eliminated from the diet altogether for both healthy and overweight pets. A veterinarian can make specific recommendations for individual pets, as well as answering other medical questions which pet owners may have.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/is-excessive-weight-dangerous-for-pets.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.