Over half of America’s dogs and cats are obese. We all love our pets and sometimes we want to show them, love, by giving them food and snacks. The extra weight gained can lead to diseases such as high blood pressure, kidney failure, urethral obstruction in cats, diabetes, and even cancer in our pets. This explosion in weight gain with our pets is linked to many things, free feeding, genetics, aging metabolism, as well as inactivity. People are much busier now in this day and age, I have seen the change in the trends regarding pets and weight gain. I would have to say many pets actually come in heavier each year, and I have seen it start at the first yearly visit after they have been altered.
The toll it takes from a health standpoint can be overwhelming to the body. Inflammation can wreak havoc and make pets not only deal with the complications of disease but it can take its toll on their mental health as well. Studies have shown with people who are overweight have more depression and anxiety. Our pets can not directly tell us what is going on in their head but I truly believe that obesity can make your pet actually depressed. Even more so if they are arthritic and have extra weight to carry, this combination of pain and being able not to move well and exercise can cause sadness to a pet.
In practice, I would see pets come in for a variety of reasons, everything from surgery hospitalization, and general work-ups. From a surgical standpoint, these heavy patients always have a higher risk of undergoing anesthesia. When a large dog or overweight cat was anesthetized ventilation had to be performed on a routine basis to ensure the proper expansion of the lungs. There is quite a bit of weight for pets to move on their own. Anesthetizing an 8-year-old 120-pound lab for a large mass removal is different from your young lab that is at a healthy weight. Even moving these patients are hard lifting them from the ground, getting them comfortable if they had to stay in the hospital, getting them outside to urinate. A true physical task and labor of love.
Enter disease…..the complications and care for a pet that has been diagnosed with a condition related to obesity can be overwhelming. New diagnosis…plan of action, new aspects of care and nutrition, repeat lab work, medical supplies to manage the condition, and re-check visits to the veterinary hospital. All to manage problems that most likely were compounded by inflammation in the body linked to obesity. Our pets need us and we need them, we are the providers for health and optimal care. There are many things that can be done to prevent obesity and the manifestations of the disease. A pet can live 2-3 years longer at a happy healthy weight. Knowledge is power and advocacy is truly key when it comes to your pet’s physical and mental health. Set a goal and make that next veterinary visit one that you can be proud of either by dropping those extra pounds, your pet will thank you for years to come.
