Health Risks of Excessive Weight in Dogs and Cats

Dr. Ernie Ward discusses the health risks of excess weight in dogs and cats. Pets suffering from obesity are prone to a torrent of weight-related disorders. If your pet needs to shed a few pounds, consider these serious consequences of obesity as you’re looking for motivation.

Decreased Life Expectancy and Poor Quality of life

Less is more when it comes to feeding pets and living longer. Eating less has been proven to extend life expectancy and reduce suffering in species as diverse as worms, spiders, water fleas, fruit flies, fish, hamsters, mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys. In a longevity study conducted on dogs, researchers found dogs fed 25% fewer calories than normal lived an average two years longer.

Even more exciting was that the dogs fed a little less food had a lot fewer medical problems. The study dogs also required less medications and remained more active well into “old age.” If you’re looking for the “Fountain of Youth” for your pets, it may be found in their food bowl.

Arthritis

The number one medical condition associated with excess weight is osteoarthritis (OA). Both large and small breeds of dogs are typically affected but cats are developing crippling arthritis at alarming rates. A study concluded that the majority of older cats (61%) had radiographic evidence of OA, despite the absence of obvious limping or pain. Interestingly, few owners recognized the signs of arthritis in their cats, leading the study authors to strongly advise radiographs in senior cats, especially those demonstrating inappropriate elimination or household “accidents.” 

If your pet is carrying as little as one or two extra pounds, remember that adds significant stress to tiny joints not designed to carry extra weight. Making matters worse, fat cells produce harmful chemicals known as adipocytokines that damage even non-weight bearing joints. There is no cure for osteoarthritis; we can only minimize the pain. Preventing excess weight and obesity is key to helping your pet maintain a long, pain-free life.

Diabetes

Veterinarians are increasingly diagnosing diabetes in cats with obesity. Similar to humans, overweight cats are at tremendous risk for developing high blood sugar and diabetes, often requiring twice daily insulin injections. Dogs with obesity appear to be more prone to a condition known as insulin resistance, a metabolic state in which they have dangerously high insulin and blood sugar levels.

Both diabetes and insulin resistance have been shown to reduce a pet’s life expectancy in addition to requiring constant medication and treatment. Feline diabetes is largely prevented by simply feeding the amount of food to maintain a normal weight. What could be easier?

High Blood Pressure

Sometimes we forget our pets get many of the same diseases we do. Hypertension is one of these commonly overlooked conditions in pets, especially in dogs and cats with obesity. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because you can’t tell if your pet has it nor can you see the damage it’s causing – until it’s too late.

If your dog or cat has packed on a few extra pounds, have its blood pressure checked regularly by your vet. This simple test can help prevent sudden blindness, heart problems, and kidney failure. Early recognition and treatment can be as simple as changing to a low-sodium diet, weight loss, and increasing exercise. Blood pressure medications are needed in more serious cases.

Cancer

Excess fat has been implicated in the formation of many cancers in animals. The National Cancer Institute estimates that obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25% to 30% of the major cancers in humans: colon, breast cancer in postmenopausal women, endometrial, kidney, and cancer of the esophagus. New research points to obesity-related insulin resistance as a likely cause. While we don’t have as many dog and cat research studies to draw upon, the consensus is that excess weight increases a pet’s risk of developing many types of cancer. Reduce the weight to reduce the risk.

The trouble with our pets being plump isn’t vanity; excess weight causes or worsens many serious medical conditions in dogs and cats. Other diseases linked to pet obesity include kidney and liver disease, breathing disorders, and skin problems.  

Talk with your vet about specific strategies to keep your pet at a healthy weight. Your pets will be happier, have fewer medical problems, and you’ll enjoy more years together.