Unfortunately obesity is becoming as large a problem for our pets as it is with their owners.  We estimate that 30-40% of adult dogs and cats we see are overweight.  If your pet is 15% above its optimum weight, it is considered to be overweight.  Of course the optimum weight for each pet is different depending on breed, age and other factors. 

  A pound or two of excess fat may not make much difference to you.  A pound or two on your pet, whose body weight is relatively small to begin with, can lead to heart and liver problems, diabetes and arthritis.  Owners may not realize their pets are obese.  It can “sneak up” on them.  Dogs and cats become less active as they age and require less food.  Therefore, they can gain weight on the same diet you have always fed them. 

  There are many excuses for overfeeding your pet:

            I only feed her once a day.

            If I don’t feed him more, he follows me around and looks hungry.

  There are two ways to decrease the weight of your pet, decrease caloric intake and increase exercise.  There are high fiber, “diet” foods for both dogs and cats (but amount fed must still be limited).  Exercise can be increased by daily walks and outdoor games for dogs and indoor games (e.g. chasing a toy on a string several times a day) for cats. 

  How to get and keep your pet in shape-Elizabeth Large, Baltimore Sun

Worried about your pet’s weight but not sure if he’s really obese?

1.      Start with a rib check.  Put your thumbs on his backbone and slide your hands down his body.  If you can’t feel ribs with a minimum of pressure, you may have a problem.

2.      Have your Veterinarian check the animal to make sure there are no medical conditions causing weight gain.

3.      Eliminate table scraps.

4.      If you like to feed your dog or cat healthy treats, that’s fine.  But adjust the amount of food that goes in his dish.

5.      Don’t free choice feed (keeping the bowl full at all times and letting you pet decide when and how much he wants to eat).

6.      High-fiber foods provide more bulk so pets feel fuller even with smaller portions.