Did you know that, as well as having general health benefits, the maintenance (or restoration) of optimal body condition in pets can be an important component of treatment for some common illnesses?
Here’s when weight loss could be your pet’s gain!
How does being overweight impact your pet’s health?
Being overweight or obese can sadly affect your pet’s health in two main ways.
Firstly, excessive fatty tissue can be a physical impediment, causing:
- Reduced mobility due to increased body weight
- Airway issues (similar to sleep apnoea in people)
- An increased risk of dangerous overheating
- Increased strain on your pet’s joints
Secondly, adipocytes (fat cells) have been shown to produce biologically active substances that promote general inflammation within the body. This can affect nearly every major organ and body system and may lead to a reduced lifespan.
Conditions where healthy weight loss is recommended
While maintaining a lean, healthy body condition is recommended for every pet, there are some health conditions where weight loss can be a particularly important component of treatment, with measurable positive impacts. These include:
- Joint disease
In pets with arthritis, healthy weight loss can significantly reduce lameness and improve mobility, even without any other medications being given. - Airway problems
In brachycephalic (snub-nosed pets) and dogs with a degenerative airway condition called collapsing trachea, weight loss can reduce pressure on their abnormal airways, improving their breathing and comfort. - Insulin resistance/diabetes in cats
Overweight cats can develop insulin resistance and become four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than ideal weight cats. - Urinary disease
Sedentary overweight pets tend to have more concentrated urine, which can lead to the formation of irritating urine crystals or bladder stones, and they can also be more at risk of developing urinary tract infections.
For the skinny on your pet’s healthiest body condition, consult our knowledgeable team.