Chubby pets may be good for a chuckle on social media but just like their human counterparts, being overweight brings with it many health complications such as joint and back problems as well as heart and lung problems.
In this video, veterinarians reveal the signs to watch out for that may signify your beloved pet is overweight:
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Video credit: Rumble
1 – A collar that keeps getting tighter
Just as a human who notices that he/she needs to keep moving the belt buckle to the next notch every time, a pet whose collar keeps getting snug may be gaining weight.
2 – A matted or messy coat
Shelly Zacharias, clinical veterinarian and vice president of medical affairs at Gallant, explains that chubby pets may lack the flexibility to groom themselves properly, particularly in their tail and lower back area. So if their coat is matted or messy, then it could be a sign they’re getting too fat.
3 – A constantly gassy or constipated pet could be the result of a poor diet or being overweight.
Poor digestion is one of the hallmarks of being overweight and a poor diet.
“Being overweight, having decreased activity, or having excess abdominal fat can slow down the normal movement of the gastrointestinal tract. This, in turn, can cause constipation or increased flatulence. An unhealthy diet with too much fat and not enough fiber can also cause these issues,” said Zacharias.
4 – If you can’t find your pet’s waist, they may be overweight
Veterinarians use the BCS or body composition score when checking if a pet is overweight. If a pet’s waist is hidden by fat, then it’s not a good sign.
“Your pet should have a discernible waist. When viewed from the side, your pet’s abdomen should ‘tuck up’ as it approaches the back legs. A view from above should show a clear delineation between the front and back,” said Jason Nicholas of Preventative Vet.
5 – If you can’t see any distinct curves on your pet’s back when viewed from above, they could be overweight
“Your pet’s back should absolutely not be perfectly flat. That means there certainly shouldn’t be a large fat pad along their sides or near the base of their tail. These so-called ‘love handles’ are a definite sign of obesity in your pet,” said Nicholas.
6 – If you’re having trouble feeling your pet’s ribs, that’s a possible sign they’re overweight
“You should be able to feel their ribs easily, without having to press through a thick layer of fat. If there is an excessive layer of fat covering your pet’s ribs, your pet is overweight,” said Nicholas.
But also note that if your pet’s ribcage is too prominent, they could be underweight. It’s best to check with a vet if you’re in doubt.
7 – Changes in your pet’s gait could point to a weight-related issue
“When your pet gains weight, their abdomen also gets larger. This causes them to need to stand and walk a little differently,” said Sara Ochoa, veterinarian and veterinary consultant for DogLab.
While your pet may still move around as normal, their joints could take more of a beating with all that extra weight so it’s best to act on this early on.
8 – Your pet pants more than usual
While it’s normal for dogs to pant following exercise or in hot weather, this shouldn’t be the case if they’re only walking in the house.
“Overweight dogs often pant more. The extra fat acts as an insulation for your dog. If they are overweight, they may paint more because they are hot from their fatty layer,” said Ochoa.
Also, take note of your cat panting in excess of a second or two following vigorous activity. It’s not normal for cats to pant regularly and you should take them to the vet immediately. In cats, regular panting could indicate pain, heartworm disease, congestive heart failure, respiratory infection, or asthma.
9 – If your pet struggles to stand up or takes the first opportunity to sit down, it could be overweight
“When a pet gains weight, they are putting extra pressure on their joints. This can cause arthritis and they will often have problems standing,” said Ochoa.
But mobility problems may not only be due to weight. Other medical conditions could be the cause of their difficulty in standing up or sitting down.
As always, regular check-ups with your vet are the best way to catch any problems early on and maintain the health of your pet.
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