Pet Obesity Solutions, Howell Animal Hospital

Pet Obesity

We are advocates for weight loss in overweight pets. 50% of the Pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Obesity in pets is considered a disease requiring veterinary care. The changes that occur within the body’s metabolism and the likelihood that other diseases will be brought about can result in the deterioration of your pet’s health.

Do You Know?

• Obesity is defined as a weight that is 20% over the ideal body weight.
• A 12 lb. Yorkie is the same as an average female weighing 218 lb.
• A 14 lb. cat is equivalent to a 237 lb. man.
• 1 oz. cheese treats for dogs are equivalent of 2 1/2 cheeseburgers and 3 1/2 cheeseburgers for cats.

Fat cells are active cells and they secret chemicals into the body that can alter metabolism and bodily functions like:

Leptin:

Leptin contributes to the insatiable appetite. After the animal eats, the fat is stored in the fat cells and then secrets Leptin to inform the body that there is good amount of fat in these cells. In overweight animals, the cells are continually secreting Leptin and the body becomes immune to it, so the appetite never gets turned off and the animal continues to eat.

Adiponectin:

This protects the heart and vasculature system from inflammation. In obese animals, fat cells tire and eventually stop secreting adiponectin.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha:

As adiponectin becomes overly full in obese animals, they begin to secret TNF-alpha which increases the inflammation in the body, resulting in a condition that can exacerbate other inflammatory conditions such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, allergy etc.)

Conditions Associated with Obesity:

• Diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism, Hepatic lipidosis, Arthritis, Heart disease, Respiratory disease, certain tumors or allergies.

Treatment of Obesity:

For dogs and cats you need a consultation to tailor a weight reduction plan which includes a special diet and an exercise plan. A weight reduction plan should be slow as animals have unique nutritional requirements. Simply reducing how much food you give can lead to serious consequences.