Pet Obesity Flashcards
What are some conditions obese pets are predisposed to?
Early death Orthopedic dysfunction/injury Respiratory compromise (lar par etc) Heatstroke Neoplasia (mammary, TCC) Cardiovascular (hypertension etc) Diabetes Coagulation disorders Inflammation
What is the most important factor to success with weight reduction programs in companion animals?
Owner compliance
*success only occurs with 100% owner cooperation
To put it simply, pet obesity is due to taking in ______ calories, than the pet is ______.
Taking in more calories than the pet is expending
T/F: Endocrine disorders often play a role in pet obesity
FALSE
These conditions rarely are the primary cause of obesity
From an owner point of view, putting their pet on a diet is asking them to _______ their pet
Starve
Many owners think diets are a form of starvation, so they are hesitant to commit
How do commercial dog food companies make their foods more palatable?
By increasing the fat content
T/F: After a dog is neutered, his total caloric intake should be decreased
True
Usually by about 25%
How do you figure out an ideal weight for a pet?
This is subjective. Should be done by evaluating the patients current body condition and weight AND the patient history: pre neuter/spay weight, patient activity, current diet etc
A patient is considered obese when it is _____% or greater than their optimal weight
30% or greater than their optimal weight
15% greater than ideal body weight = over weight
What an ideal body fat percentage for companion animals?
15 - 20 %
Is body score subjective?
YES
What percent body weight should you aim for when putting a pet on a weight loss program?
Why?
2%
This is enough for owners to notice a difference and keep them motivated to stick with the weight loss program
This amount will also prevent a drastic decrease in metabolic weight
What kind of loss do you want to prevent, by not making a diet too aggressive?
Want to avoid lean body mass loss
Muscle loss can occur via gluconeogenesis if the caloric intake in the diet is too low
What is the easiest way to determine how much of a certain food you should be feeding a pet?
Read the label
It’s figured out for you - per the desired body weight
(there are calculations that can be done, but this is the easier and less time consuming way)
Should you suggest to your clients with pets who need to lose weight, to cut back their normal diet by a certain percentage to encourage weight loss?
NO
You need to change the diet so they can decrease calories, have the proper nutrients, and keep the animal satisfied
What nutrient is used to increase the fill factor of a food?
Fiber
Want a food with an increased SOLUBLE fiber (10-30%. regular foods only have about 5%)
Why is high protein good or bad for weight loss?
It is good because it prevents muscle break down and loss
What are the side effects noted in pet foods that have a high soluble fiber?
Increase in volume of stool and gas
Besides helping the animal feel full, what are the other functions of soluble fiber in a weight loss diet?
Soluble fiber will bind to cholesterol and prevent it from being recycled in the body
T/F: If you are feeding a low calorie diet, feeding ad lib is ideal
FALSE
Ad lib feeding should be avoided.
2-4 times a day is ideal
Besides diet, what is another essential factor in a pet weight loss program?
Exercise!
This is important to burn calories and maintain muscle mass
or to increase muscle mass which will increase calorie burning
What is the typical minimal exercise requirements for dogs?
Two brisk 20 min walks a day
What happens when your pet reaches their target weight?
Increase calories by 10% per week until the weight stays stable (since you no longer want weight loss)
What should the vet or animal hospital do to help support owners with pets on weight loss programs?
Maintain active contact with your clients. Call to check in, and give advice/support. Send news letters, give certificates, discounts and or prizes. Keep your clients motivated and involved.
What is a weight loss drug for dogs? Is it commonly used? Why or why not?
Slentrol is a drug used to promote weight loss in dogs. It reduces fat absorption and has an effect on the satiety center in the hypothalamus.
It is often not used bc it is only a temporary fix or short term solution
What are some factors that predispose cats and dogs to obesity?
Genetics Commercial foods high in fat Owners feeling the need to give treats Low exercise and kennel restrictions Ageing Neutering/spaying Competition between pets Endocrine disorders (these are typically never entirely to blame)
What is obesity?
An excess of body fat that impairs the health and body function
