Practical management of obesity in dogs and cats

Obesity is the most common form of malnutrition encountered in small animal practice in the western world. In a survey of cats presented to the author's clinic, 40 per cent were overweight or obese; the incidence of obesity was highlighted in neutered cats, those that were kept indoors and those over 36 months of age. A number of clinical conditions of dogs and cats can be associated with obesity, therefore its prevention and control represents an important challenge for the small animal veterinarian and its success is largely dependent on effective client education. Treatment of obesity involves a suitable diet formulation and continual patient monitoring to maintain the owner's enthusiasm and cooperation. Commercial low calorie diets provide an effective and convenient means of weight loss in obese dogs and cats.