1 How Did Pets Get So Overweight? Over the past 10 years we've seen an increase in overweight pets. *Prevalence estimates are adjusted for age and differences in reporting over time. Overfeeding Pet owners sometimes use food and treats to show affection. Find Out More Lack of Exercise Like people, exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Find Out More It's the New Normal Obesity is so common that many people underestimate their pet's body condition, preventing them from taking action to manage their pet's weight. Other Diseases Discomfort from diseases like arthritis can keep pets from being active, making it easier for pets to gain weight. Find Out More Breed and Genetics Some pet breeds are more prone to obesity. Find Out More 2 So What If Your Pet's Plump? While that extra squish may be cute, carrying extra weight around can have serious consequences for your dog or cat. Test Your Knowledge on the Consequences of Obesity(Click to reveal the answer) Q What are examples of diseases in cats that can be complicated by obesity? A Diabetes MellitusOrthopedic diseases, such as ArthritisRespiratory diseases, such as Feline Asthma Q What are examples of diseases in dogs that can be complicated by obesity? A Orthopedic diseases, such as ArthritisRespiratory diseases, such as Tracheal CollapseUrinary incontinence caused by a Urethral Sphincter Disorder Q How much more do owners spend on health care for overweight dogs vs. dogs at a healthy weight? A Owners of overweight dogs spend 17% more on health care and nearly 25% more on medications. Furthermore, one estimate indicates that an additional $2,026 per year for dogs is spent on obesity-related conditions. Q How much more do owners spend on health care for overweight cats vs. cats at a healthy weight? A Owners of overweight cats spend 36% more on diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, one estimate indicates that an additional $1,178 per year for cats is spent on obesity-related conditions. Test Your Knowledge on the Consequences of Obesity(Click to reveal the answer) Q What are examples of diseases in cats that can be complicated by obesity? A Diabetes MellitusOrthopedic diseases, such as ArthritisRespiratory diseases, such as Feline Asthma Q What are examples of diseases in dogs that can be complicated by obesity? A Orthopedic diseases, such as ArthritisRespiratory diseases, such as Tracheal CollapseUrinary incontinence caused by a Urethral Sphincter Disorder Q How much more do owners spend on health care for overweight dogs vs. dogs at a healthy weight? A Owners of overweight dogs spend 17% more on health care and nearly 25% more on medications. Furthermore, one estimate indicates that an additional $2,026 per year for dogs is spent on obesity-related conditions. Q How much more do owners spend on health care for overweight cats vs. cats at a healthy weight? A Owners of overweight cats spend 36% more on diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, one estimate indicates that an additional $1,178 per year for cats is spent on obesity-related conditions. 3 How Can You Tell if Your Pet is Overweight? Use this body condition score guide to determine if your pet is overweight, underweight or ideal weight. What is My Pet's Body Condition Score? Click through these 5 body condition scores and compare with your pet's appearance. Are his or her ribs, spine and hip bones barely detectable when touched? Can you see a defined waist? Do you notice any belly fat? DOG CAT 1 2 3 4 5 Very Thin Severely defined ribs and waist. Side View Overhead View Thin Easily visible ribs and waist. Side View Overhead View Ideal Weight Ribs easily felt, but not seen.Obvious waist. Side View Overhead View Overweight Ribs not easily seen nor felt. Side View Overhead View Obese Waist absent. Side View Overhead View 1 2 3 4 5 Very Thin Severely defined ribs and waist. Side View Overhead View Thin Easily visible ribs and waist. Side View Overhead View Ideal Weight Ribs easily felt, but not seen.Obvious waist. Side View Overhead View Overweight Ribs not easily seen nor felt. Side View Overhead View Obese Waist absent. Side View Overhead View 4 How Do You Keep Your Pet From Being Pudgy? Determine Your Pet's Nutritional Needs It's best to consult with your veterinarian about your pet's nutritional needs, but you can use our helpful guide in the meantime. Learn More About Your Pet's Nutrition Learn More Come Up with a Plan Partner with your veterinarian to develop the most appropriate weight loss plan for your pet. More Play, Less Weight Get your cat to play with a jingle ball, feather teaser or laser pointer. Take your dog on a walk, play catch or hide snacks in a treat toy. Take It Easy on the Treats You may be tempted to reward your cat or dog with human food, but even in small quantities, it can represent a large percent of your pet's daily caloric intake. Interact with the chart below to see the impact different foods have on your pet's weight. Cat Toy/Small Dog Medium Dog Large Dog Giant Dog 227 Daily calorie intake based on a 10-lb cat Milk 13% 2oz 2% milk: 30 cal Tuna 16% 1oz canned tuna: 36 cal Cheese 50% 1oz cheese: 114 cal Meat 20% 1 slice deli meat ham: 46 cal Tip Try rewarding your good boy or girl with belly rubs, toys or low-calorie snacks like baby carrots for dogs. View our State of Pet Health infographic for pet owners. Download Infographic Download Infographic All statistics calculated by the Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge Team based on 2.5 million dogs and 505,000 cats seen at Banfield Hospitals in 2016.