Pet Corner: Get Healthy Together in the New Year!
As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to embrace healthier habits—for yourself and your furry companion. Obesity is a serious health concern for pets, linked to a shorter lifespan and numerous weight-related conditions, including osteoarthritis, diabetes, respiratory issues, high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease, skin infections, and even certain cancers. Overweight pets often have less energy, interact less with their families, and struggle with mobility.
The good news? Even small changes can make a big difference. Studies show that losing just 6% of body weight can significantly improve a pet’s mobility and quality of life. For a 30-pound dog, that’s less than two pounds! Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Assess Your Pet’s Body Condition
Before setting weight-loss goals, evaluate your pet’s Body Condition Score (BCS)—a simple tool to determine whether your pet is underweight, at an ideal weight, or overweight.
The BCS uses a scale from 1 (extreme thinness) to 9 (severe obesity), with an ideal weight between 4 and 5 (see below).
Use your pet’s current BCS to estimate their ideal weight. A healthy weight loss for cats is no more than 1 pound per month, while for dogs, it’s about 3–5% of body weight per month.
Step 2: Calculate Daily Calorie Needs
Nutrition is the foundation of weight loss, accounting for about 80% of the process. Start by calculating your pet’s daily caloric needs:
Resting Energy Requirement (RER) = 70 x (Ideal Body Weight in kg)^0.75*
*This amount varies based on species, age, exercise, and disease factors.
For example, a dog with an ideal weight of 10 kg (22 lb) needs about 400 calories per day. Next, check your pet food label for calorie content (kcal per cup/can) and divide the total calories your pet needs by the kcal per serving to determine how much food they should eat daily (divided into two meals).
● Portion Control: Use a standard 8 oz measuring cup to avoid overfeeding.
● Treats: Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and opt for low-calorie options like green beans or carrots.
Your veterinarian can help refine these calculations to suit your pet’s individual needs.
Step 3: Incorporate Regular Exercise
Exercise is the other 20% of the weight-loss equation and is vital for burning calories, building muscle, and improving overall health. Start by extending daily walks or play times by a few minutes at a time. Cats can benefit from climbing trees or playing with feather wands and laser pointers. Tailor activities to your pet’s age, breed, and energy level for the best results. Exercising together will not only support your pet’s weight loss but also strengthen the bond you share.
Thrive in 2025
By prioritizing diet and fitness, you can give your pet a longer, healthier life while enjoying the benefits of an active, shared lifestyle. Together, you’ll step into the New Year feeling better than ever.
Visit the weight loss resources at www.comfortpaws.com/resources for more information and links to tools for assessing body condition scores and a calorie calculator.