For far too long, we have been addressing obesity as if it were simply a behavioral issue. We now know obesity in animals, as with people, is a serious medical condition. It is a disease state that leads to the degeneration and the acceleration of the body’s demise.
We have viewed our beloved pet’s begging and insatiable hunger as a part of the human-animal bond, our pet’s way of seeking attention, and our way of satisfying one of our pet’s most basic needs. While it is true, that we as humans garner great emotional satisfaction from giving our loved pets treats and enjoy watching them devour a bowl of food, we have to realize that allowing our pets to become or stay overweight is not good for the long term health of our pets.
It is amazing how much has been learned about the fat cell in the last few years. Recent research in both human and animal medicine has shown that human and animal fat cells are extremely metabolically active and act like an endocrine (hormone) organ. Each fat cell partakes in over 20 chemical reactions, some of which give off harmful chemicals to the cardiovascular system. Other fat cells initiate the inflammatory process leading to arthritis, and still others stimulate tissue factors that lead to the formation of certain cancers. Of great note, is the newly discovered fact that fat cells actually release chemicals that stimulate the appetite further, making one want to eat more and more!!!
Due to the increase in appetite, one’s Metabolic Thermostat is forced to reset at a higher level, thus causing one to eat more to be satiated. If we were to graph out weight gain, it usually shows various plateaus between which the weight is gained. Conversely, we must lose weight in a similar pattern. Research has taught us that slow weight loss is best for long-term success. We must suppress our appetite so we can plateau downwardly and give the body a chance to reset its Metabolic Thermostat at a lower weight level until a healthy weight is achieved.
People have will power; our pets have instinctually driven behaviors we can choose to give in to or to ignore. We all know how hard it is to ignore that loving look from our beloved pets, or the incessant clanging of the empty bowl. If you add in the warm fuzzy feeling we get by satisfying our pets desires, it all leads to an obese pet population.
An “ounce” of prevention is worth a “pound” of cure. Obesity management starts with proper feeding and exercise in the puppy and kitten stages. When a pet is neutered or spayed, his or her caloric requirements immediately decrease by 30%. Growth formula foods should only be fed until a pet is about six months old, not until a year of age. Furthermore, the portions of food always need to be measured with an actual measuring device (a handful does not qualify). We need to learn to monitor our pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS), which is the procedure to determine if the rate of growth and feeding procedures are correct. The BCS is determined simply by looking at and feeling your pet. Ideally, your pet’s ribs should be easily palpable with minimal fat covering, the waist should be easily viewed from above, and an abdominal tuck should be evident. The BCS allows us to reassuringly increase or decrease our pets’ food portions accordingly.
The treatment of obesity requires a long-term commitment on the part of the caregiver. We must reduce caloric intake and increase caloric expenditure over a period of time sufficient to allow the Metabolic Thermostat to reset at the desired lower weight. If only it was that easy-but there is help. To help us achieve our goal there are low calorie palatable foods and treats available. There is also a great new medication for dogs that works as an appetite suppressant, therefore, the begging and food driven behavior is eliminated making the weight loss process easier for all.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your pet’s weight concerns. Let’s learn together how to judge our pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS) to prevent obesity and to manage their weight for a long and healthy life.
