How to tell if your pet is overweight and how to help

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The holiday season brings an abundance of tempting treats for us and our furry friends. Veterinarians say there are a few ways to recognize if your pet is overweight and some ways to help them shed some of those extra pounds.

“Your usual first signs are going to be that extra padding sitting there on the abdomen region,” says Autumn Lyell, a veterinarian at Pawmetto Lifeline.

Lyell said pet owners can determine if their pets are carrying a few extra pounds by looking for signs such as difficulty feeling their pet’s ribs or spine or a visibly rounded abdomen.

Just like humans, obesity in pets can lead to a range of health issues. 

“Cats are especially prone to liver problems because their liver is processing a lot of the fats. Dogs can get hip dysplasia, and even congestive heart failure can come from that excessive fat on them,” Lyell said.

The key to weight management is portion control, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity.

“So, even if you start at two minutes a day, try to do a ball toss for two minutes. And then, from there, we can get up to maybe five minutes, and then we work ourselves up to ten,” Lyell said.

Making choices that contribute to our pets' health means making choices that contribute to their longevity.

Veterinarians say you can even treat your furry friend to healthy foods at home rather than fatty treats. Some examples include sweet potatoes, green beans, or carrots.