Obesity in Pets: The Most Common Preventable Disease
Overweight is now the commonest health problem in urban Indian pets, and the one most often not recognised by the owner. How to assess Use body condition…
Overweight is now the commonest health problem in urban Indian pets, and the one most often not recognised by the owner.
How to assess
Use body condition rather than the scale. Ribs easily felt without pressing, a visible waist from above, and an upward tuck of the abdomen from the side.
What it costs
Overweight dogs live meaningfully shorter lives, and carry higher rates of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and anaesthetic risk.
A realistic plan
Aim for 1–2% of body weight lost per week. Measure food with a cup or scale rather than estimating. Cut treats first — that alone is often enough. Feed the amount for the target weight, not the current one.
Do not crash-diet a cat
Rapid weight loss in cats causes hepatic lipidosis, which is life-threatening. Cats must lose weight slowly and under supervision.