Obesity in Pets

Recently, a survey found that over 50 percent of the pet population in American is overweight or obese. A common misconception is that cats and dogs need to eat every day. Do not try to get your pet to eat if it does not want to, because your pet will eat when it wants. Another myth is that spaying or neutering causes obesity. Any pet will gain weight if it is fed more than it needs relative to how much it exercises. The procedure could slow down the pet’s metabolism slightly, but if they eat the right amount, the will not become obese. Many pet owners defend their pets when veterinarians suggest that the pet could benefit from weight loss. They say things like, “But doctor, she hardly eats a thing.” The pet probably eats continuously throughout the day. Even though it nibbles the calorie intake adds up. Another excuse is, "But doctor, this rascal won’t keep quiet unless she gets her treats. And she won’t go to sleep at night until she gets her little dish of ice cream." The pet thinks being fed is a reward for his/her whining. The pet becomes obese as a result. Other pets become obese because food is given to them as a sign of love, or they are given table scraps, because they refuse to eat their food. Pets easily can become obese for overfeeding; only feed them the amount they need.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_identify_overweight_pet#.Tyl6GcX-8o4