Unfortunately, some pet owners are not concerned about their dog or cat being overweight. Some families even find heavy pets to be cute, funny or charming – for instance, chubby dogs and cats are seen as having “character” or “personality.”
But any veterinarian will tell you that being overweight is a serious health concern for pets. Animals are loveable at any size and weight, but carrying too much body fat can be very detrimental to their lifespan and quality of life.
What are the health risks for overweight pets?
Excess weight may put stress on your pet’s joints, ligaments and bones, which can lead to an increased risk for joint disease, chronic pain and limited mobility.
Overweight pets may have difficulty breathing (especially flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds), heat intolerance, hygiene issues, skin problems, and increased surgical and anesthetic risk. High body fat may also lead to diabetes and heart disease.
Any of these conditions can result in a shorter lifespan and a poorer quality of life for your pet. For further discussion of the effects of excess weight on your pet, visit the Veterinary Partner website and search “Obesity.”
The Body Condition Score can determine if your pet is overweight.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has developed a method for measuring dogs’ and cats’ body composition known as the Body Condition Score (BCS).
The Body Condition Score can be measured on either a 5-point scale or a 9-point scale. If using the 5-point scale, the goal BCS for most pets is between 2.5 to 3. If using the 9-point scale, aim for a BCS of 4 to 5.
Disease risk associations with higher BCS in adult animals appear to increase above 3.5 of 5, or above 6 of 9. If your pet falls within this range, they likely need to lose body fat.
Note that a healthy BCS may appear “too thin” to some pet owners, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian and bring your dog or cat in for a full evaluation.
How to evaluate your pet’s Body Condition Score at home:
First, review the AAHA diagram for the Body Condition Score system. Then, evaluate your pet based on the characteristics outlined in the diagram.
Below are a few traits that pets within a healthy weight range have in common:
- When viewing your pet from above, they have an hourglass shape with a tapered waist after the ribs. They should NOT have an egg shape.
- When viewing your pet from the side, you should see an abdominal tuck behind the last ribs. You should NOT see a rounding or distension of the abdomen.
- Ribs are palpable with a minimal or slight fat covering. When lightly running your hands along the rib cage, you can feel the ribs, but not see them. If you have to push your fingers in to find the ribs, you are pushing through excess fat.
- Fat pads over the hips, but not a heavy amount of fat cover.
Conversely, you do not want your pet to be underweight. You do not want to see individual ribs, protruding hip bones or prominent spine.
Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s Body Condition Score and offer guidance on weight loss or maintenance.
We want your pets to be as healthy as possible and a long, happy, active life with you. Contact your vet today if you have questions about your pet’s weight or Body Condition Score!
1. Ensure your pet’s shelter is warm and cozy
When the temperatures drop, it’s important to keep your pets inside the house with you. If you would be too cold spending all day outside, it’s too cold for your pets as well. This is especially true if your pet is not yet fully grown, or is sick.
If your dog house has been specifically outfitted for winter, it may be sufficient for keeping your pet warm. This means it should be big enough to be comfortable, but small enough to retain heat. The floor should be raised and covered with cedar shavings or straw, and the door should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
But again, we highly recommend keeping your pets indoors. If it’s more comfortable for you inside, it’s more comfortable for your pet inside too.
2. Bundle up!
Small pets and short-haired pets will appreciate an extra layer this winter, even for short walks. If they do not like walking in the snow, try booties! Fur can only go so far in keeping your pet warm.
Additionally, be sure to keep them dry, which will help with their heat retention. There are lightweight jackets perfect for your fluffy dog to keep him dry while he plays in the snow.
3. Keep an eye out for common winter hazards
Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it has a very sweet taste they’re highly attracted to. Keep antifreeze stored in a safe place, away from children and pets. Clean any spills immediately!
Likewise, rock salt is great at keeping us from slipping on ice, but it’s very bad for dogs. Be sure to wipe down your pet’s paws after each walk to avoid them licking it off themselves later. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
4. Protect your pet’s feet
Booties can minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous antifreeze, and chemical ice-melting agents. Booties can also help prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes, which may cause irritation.
Alternatively, massaging petroleum jelly into your pet’s paw pads before going outside can help to protect against salt and chemical agents. Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws.
After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet to remove any ice, salt or chemicals. Check for cracks in the paw pads, redness between the toes, or other signs of irritation. Moisturizing after a good toweling off can help to heal chapped paws.
5. Stay vigilant about fleas and ticks
As the temperatures drop, many pet owners believe that using flea control is no longer necessary, as the fleas will die off in the cold weather. But this is a common misconception!
A warm heated home provides the ideal environment for fleas to breed, which means flea control is a year-round commitment. Pets should be treated each and every month – even in the heart of winter – to ensure they remain protected from fleas and ticks 365 days a year.
By following these helpful tips, you can ensure your pet stays cozy, healthy and happy all winter long. In the meantime, contact us if you have ANY questions at all about keeping your pet safe this winter.