According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight in 2018. Obesity, or an excess of body fat, can severely affect your pet’s health and quality of life. Obese dogs and cats usually have an excess body weight between 10% to 15%, which your veterinarian needs to measure with a body composition test at the pet hospital. Here’s what you need to know about this condition in your animals.

What Causes Pet Obesity

Obesity is typically caused by an imbalance between how much the animal eats and how much energy it expends. This may mean that they overeat, they aren’t exercising enough, or some combination of the two. A diet full of high-calorie food or an excess of treats can contribute to being overweight. Other causes, which experts at a pet hospital can diagnose, include hypothyroidism, insulinoma, hyperadrenocorticism, and neutering.

Why It’s a Problem

Obesity can reduce an animal’s life span by straining their heart or bringing on conditions like heart disease. It may cause your pet discomfort, such as by straining the joints and making it difficult to breathe. The more overweight they become, the more difficult it is to return to a healthy weight. The weight they put on makes it challenging and unpleasant to exercise, turning your cat or dog lethargic.

How to Prevent or Treat It

If you notice your pet is gaining eight and  they do not want to exercise, take them to the pet hospital. You and your veterinarian can then determine a plan for their health. This may include cutting back on treats, changing their diet, establishing a safe exercise plan, or treating a condition that’s causing the obesity.

Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital offers all the care your cat or dog needs to stay healthy in Newport, KY. Their pet wellness testing services will monitor your pet’s weight and other general wellness indicators for smart, preventative care. They also help with everything from animal vaccines to pet dental care. Set up an appointment with the pet hospital online or at (859) 781-1800.