Obese Owners Can Mean Obese Pets

Of the 77 million cats and 67 million dogs in the United States, it is estimated that from 25 to 40 percent of these animals are overweight. And, just like humans who are overweight, these animals can fall victim to diabetes, heart problems, and joint and hip difficulties, says a University of Illinois professor of nutrition.

"While there have been no studies on this particular question, there appears to be anecdotal evidence that there is a correlation between overweight owners and overweight pets," explained George Fahey, who teaches and does research in the Department of Animal Sciences.

Fahey speculates that the same inability to push themselves away from the table or snacks can make it difficult, if not impossible, for owners to resist the "begging" of a dog or cat for more food. The extra food can include more than the amount of recommended pet food or, even worse, table scraps.

"Animals love table scraps and usually find them to be highly palatable. They may even refuse to eat pet food once they develop the appetite and craving for table scraps," said Fahey. "Pet owners need to read the feeding instructions that are on every bag or can of pet food and follow them."

But many owners are simply not doing that — with one result being diabetes in cats and dogs at epidemic levels. These and other health problems can translate into substantial veterinary bills as owners struggle to keep their pets alive.

Interestingly, companion animal obesity is a fairly recent problem, reflecting changes in lifestyle, the role of pets, and even the composition of pet food. As with humans, there are now measurements charts that can help determine if an animal is overweight. Nestle Purina, a major manufacturer of pet food, produces a body condition system chart that helps owners determine if their pets are overweight.

Worry about the weight of the family dog or cat is a question that probably would be considered ludicrous by our grandparents and great-grandparents.

"Years ago, most dogs and cats lived outside. They tended to get more exercise on their own, and because the animals were outside, their owners didn't worry about the effect of diet on the pet's bowel habits," Fahey said. "But, when you start bringing animals into the home, as has increasingly been the case over the last 50 years, everything begins to change."

Kept inside, cats have no particular reason to prowl and stalk, meaning they sleep most of the time and, unless initiated by their owners, get little exercise. For dogs, the only exercise some may get is a brief walk or two per day largely to facilitate elimination of waste. "Essentially, many dogs are the animal equivalent of couch potatoes," said Fahey.

The move to indoor quarters has also led to a pet-food diet rich in protein and fats. Premium dog foods, Fahey notes, often contain 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat. This means dogs can more easily digest the food, resulting in fewer calls of nature, so to speak. The problem comes when owners overfeed such diets.

The dog actually needs only about half the fat contained in the recommended version of premium food," said Fahey. "And, just as with humans, obesity results when you overfeed a rich diet."

And even though cats have litter pans, their pet foods also tend to be rich in fat.

Another part of the change in attitudes toward and treatment of pets in the past 50 years involves the perception of owners.

"In essence, people have come to view their dogs and cats as part of the family. There are strong attachments, and animals that once might have been called pets are now better described as companions," Fahey explained. "When obesity-related health problems begin, owners, if they can afford it, are more willing to spend large amounts of money on veterinary care.

"Today, we see animals undergoing treatments and medications that are quite costly and perhaps would not have been considered by many people 50 years ago."

Veterinary science has made great advancements, and today's veterinarians are better prepared and more willing to initiate extensive, costly, and long-term therapies. And pet owners are more willing to pay the bill.

Fahey says that this cycle of deteriorating health and escalating care costs for pets can be avoided in many cases by simple steps.

"First, don't feed your pets table scraps. Second, feed the amount recommended on the bag or can, and if the dog or cat begs for more, don't give in," he said. "Finally, make sure the animals, especially dogs, get adequate exercise."

The bottom line, he adds, is that dogs and cats that have come to be considered family members will have longer and healthier lives if their human "companions" follow these guidelines.

Photo: George Fahey, U of I professor of animal sciences, examines a dog that is participating in one of the nutrition studies being conducted by Fahey as Kari Bruce, a graduate student in the Department of Animal Sciences, holds the animal.

 

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