Eschborn. Every step is difficult, your joints hurt, and it's difficult to breathe. The dog, who used to be so lively, hasn't played with his peers for a long time and the cat, who was once so curious, just lies on the sofa. A jump on the scratching post? None! Obesity is a serious problem that literally causes problems for dogs, cats and even small pets. The health risks associated with obesity are often underestimated by many pet owners. The animal protection organization TASSO, which operates Europe's largest free pet registry, explains the dangers and gives tips to sustainably improve the health of animal companions.
A treat here, a piece of cheese there – and then the food bowl that is filled to the brim several times a day: “Out of a misunderstood love of animals, many people offer their pets food in abundance. They often do not initially notice that their animal is gaining weight. The health consequences for the animals are fatal,” warns Dr. Laura Witting, veterinarian and animal welfare consultant at TASSO. Excess weight promotes, among other things, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and joint diseases. In addition, the animals have a higher risk of anesthesia and often die earlier than their normal-weight counterparts. As weight increases, quality of life also decreases. The animals are sluggish, hardly resilient and show little enthusiasm for movement.
Don't just go on a diet –
Check the causes with a vet
The main cause of obesity in dogs, cats and even small pets is often too high a calorie intake in relation to consumption. Either the feeding amounts are too large and they get too many treats, or they don't move enough. “If the ribs can hardly be felt when the hands are loosely placed or the waist is difficult or impossible to see from above, this is a sign of overweight that should not be ignored. Timely countermeasures are important before damage to health occurs,” emphasizes Dr. Witting. However, she also points out that it's not always just food that causes obesity: “Breed, illness, age or castration also influence weight gain. In addition, metabolic diseases can be the cause of an animal weighing too much.” Therefore, pet owners should not simply put their four-legged friend on a diet, but should definitely seek veterinary advice to determine normal weight, rule out illnesses and receive feeding recommendations.
Lose weight healthily and appropriately
A basic principle of losing weight is that the animal consumes fewer calories than it burns. At the same time, energy consumption should be increased through more exercise. Based on this, it is advisable to create a diet and exercise plan that takes into account the animal's individual needs such as age, breed, energy requirements, fitness and health status. Veterinarians who specialize in nutritional advice provide support. “It is important to approach the process of losing weight gradually so as not to overwhelm the animal and not cause new health problems to arise,” explains Dr. Witting. For dogs, walks and playful training sessions can be increased slowly. Indoor cats can be motivated to exercise more with the right amount of play, and for small pets, enough space with plenty of climbing and activity opportunities is essential. “The change in diet should also be done slowly. Good advice is important here so that the animal receives sufficient nutrients when losing weight and does not lose weight too quickly. Too rapid and radical weight reduction can be dangerous,” says Dr. Witting. Pet owners also need patience and steadfastness. If the animal looks at them with wide eyes, they should not become weak. Four-legged friends also need time to get used to new food, smaller portions and new routines.
With an adapted diet and more exercise, the animals' quality of life can be sustainably improved. Small successes such as more enjoyment of movement and less joint pain are valuable milestones on the way to a healthier and happier life.