Excess weight can affect a pet’s quality of life, leading to a host of other medical issues. Cats and dogs that are obese have a significantly increased risk of diabetes. Burien Veterinary Hospital is exploring how weight and diabetes are connected this November for National Pet Diabetes Month. We have some tips on what pet owners can do to prevent these connected health conditions.
The Concern with Pet Obesity
Per a 2024 survey from The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 35% of dog owners and 33% of cat owners in the United States self-reported their pets as being overweight or obese. The real number is believed to be at or above 50% of all pets. Carrying excess weight puts strain on a pet’s organs, joints, and immune system.
One potential serious complication is the development of diabetes. In overweight pets, the impact on metabolism can lead to diabetes mellitus, a type of diabetes with insulin resistance. The chances of diabetes developing rises in older pets.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
While any pet can develop obesity or diabetes, certain risk factors increase the likelihood:
- Older pets, especially those 7+ years old
- Certain breeds
- Overfeeding and/or not exercising
- Other diseases like Cushing’s disease
Understanding your pet’s risk profile is the first step in prevention. Talk to your veterinarian during an annual wellness visit about what health conditions your cat or dog may be predisposed to. With this knowledge, you can familiarize yourself with symptoms to be on the lookout for.
General Signs: An obese pet will likely have a small or no waistline when viewed from above, and it will be difficult to feel their ribs without pressing hard. Some symptoms of diabetes in pets include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and cloudy eyes (in dogs).
Preventing Pet Diabetes and Obesity Starts with You
Preventing obesity-related diabetes in pets begins with maintaining a healthy weight. Stick to scheduled, portion-controlled meals. A veterinarian can help you in determining whether you’re currently feeding your pet a nutritious diet.
Annual veterinary check-ups with routine diagnostics are a great preventative method, too. Going every year sets a baseline that shows trends when something goes wrong. Blood work and urinalysis can pick up on signs of diabetes or other health conditions that might otherwise be missed by even veterinary professionals until symptoms worsen. Especially if your pet is high risk, a yearly screening could make a crucial difference in picking up on differentiations in bodily function.
Diagnosing Obesity and Diabetes for Pets in Burien, WA
Obesity is a major health risk that can lead to diabetes and other complications for your animal companion. With awareness and action, it’s also a largely preventable condition. Burien Veterinary Hospital can diagnose obesity and diabetes in cats and dogs from Burien, White Center, Tukwila, and nearby Washington areas. Think your pet may be overweight? Concerned they’re showing signs of diabetes? Let’s talk. Schedule a veterinary consultation at Burien Veterinary Hospital.