Pet Obesity

Question 1

What are some conditions obese pets are predisposed to?

Answer 1

Early death
Orthopedic dysfunction/injury
Respiratory compromise (lar par etc)
Heatstroke
Neoplasia (mammary, TCC)
Cardiovascular (hypertension etc)
Diabetes
Coagulation disorders
Inflammation

Question 2

What is the most important factor to success with weight reduction programs in companion animals?

Answer 2

Owner compliance

*success only occurs with 100% owner cooperation

Question 3

To put it simply, pet obesity is due to taking in ______ calories, than the pet is ______.

Answer 3

Taking in more calories than the pet is expending

Question 4

T/F: Endocrine disorders often play a role in pet obesity

Answer 4

FALSE

These conditions rarely are the primary cause of obesity

Question 5

From an owner point of view, putting their pet on a diet is asking them to _______ their pet

Answer 5

Starve

Many owners think diets are a form of starvation, so they are hesitant to commit

Question 6

How do commercial dog food companies make their foods more palatable?

Answer 6

By increasing the fat content

Question 7

T/F: After a dog is neutered, his total caloric intake should be decreased

Answer 7

True

Usually by about 25%

Question 8

How do you figure out an ideal weight for a pet?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

A patient is considered obese when it is _____% or greater than their optimal weight

Answer 9

30% or greater than their optimal weight

15% greater than ideal body weight = over weight

Question 10

What an ideal body fat percentage for companion animals?

Answer 10

15 - 20 %

Question 11

Is body score subjective?

Answer 11

YES

Question 12

What percent body weight should you aim for when putting a pet on a weight loss program?

Why?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What kind of loss do you want to prevent, by not making a diet too aggressive?

Answer 13

Want to avoid lean body mass loss

Muscle loss can occur via gluconeogenesis if the caloric intake in the diet is too low

Question 14

What is the easiest way to determine how much of a certain food you should be feeding a pet?

Answer 14

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)

Question 15

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?

Answer 15

NO

You need to change the diet so they can decrease calories, have the proper nutrients, and keep the animal satisfied

Question 16

What nutrient is used to increase the fill factor of a food?

Answer 16

Fiber

Want a food with an increased SOLUBLE fiber (10-30%. regular foods only have about 5%)

Question 17

Why is high protein good or bad for weight loss?

Answer 17

It is good because it prevents muscle break down and loss

Question 18

What are the side effects noted in pet foods that have a high soluble fiber?

Answer 18

Increase in volume of stool and gas

Question 19

Besides helping the animal feel full, what are the other functions of soluble fiber in a weight loss diet?

Answer 19

Soluble fiber will bind to cholesterol and prevent it from being recycled in the body

Question 20

T/F: If you are feeding a low calorie diet, feeding ad lib is ideal

Answer 20

FALSE

Ad lib feeding should be avoided.

2-4 times a day is ideal

Question 21

Besides diet, what is another essential factor in a pet weight loss program?

Answer 21

Exercise!

This is important to burn calories and maintain muscle mass
or to increase muscle mass which will increase calorie burning

Question 22

What is the typical minimal exercise requirements for dogs?

Answer 22

Two brisk 20 min walks a day

Question 23

What happens when your pet reaches their target weight?

Answer 23

Increase calories by 10% per week until the weight stays stable (since you no longer want weight loss)

Question 24

What should the vet or animal hospital do to help support owners with pets on weight loss programs?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

What is a weight loss drug for dogs? Is it commonly used? Why or why not?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What are some factors that predispose cats and dogs to obesity?

Answer 26

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)

Question 27

What is obesity?

Answer 27

An excess of body fat that impairs the health and body function