Obesity in pets

[2] Obesity is associated with metabolic and hormonal changes, and can predispose pets to illnesses like orthopedic disease, diabetes, and cancer.

[1][3][4] For dogs and cats, a 9 point body condition score (BCS) system is used to identify whether they are above their ideal weight status.

Using weight alone is not a reliable tool for diagnosing obesity as individuals within a species and breed can vary significantly in their size.

[12] Weight gain will occur if calories from the diet do not decrease with the animal's energy requirements.

[12] Obesity in pets is usually due to excessive food intake or lack of physical exercise.

[13] Owners may view food as a way to reward and treat their pets, which contributes to overfeeding.

Dirlotapide (brand name Slentrol) and mitratapide (brand name Yarvitan) were authorized for use in the EU by the European Medicines Agency for helping weight loss in dogs, by reducing appetite and food intake, but both of these drugs have been withdrawn from the market in the EU.

[19] Up to 20% of dogs treated with either dirlotapide or mitratapide experience vomiting and diarrhea; less commonly, loss of appetite may occur.

[17] Obese cats which have difficulty grooming themselves are predisposed to dry, flaky skin and feline acne.