Practical Weight Management

Question 1

How do you define “obesity?”

Answer 1

disease in which excess body fat has accumulated such that health may be adversely affected.

Question 2

What makes an animal overweight vs. obese?

Answer 2

• overweight = 10-20% above ideal BW
• obese = exceeds 20-30% above ideal BW

Question 3

Which animals are the most prone or have the highest risk of being overweight/obese?

Answer 3

• middle aged neutered cats
• middle aged spayed female dogs
• purebred dogs
• manx cats

Question 4

25-35% of ____ are overweight/obese, while 35-40% of ____ are overweight/obese.

Answer 4

• 25-35% dogs
• 35-40% cats

Question 5

When should we address obesity with a client?

Answer 5

during wellness visits & spay/neuter visits

Question 6

What are some health risks associated with obesity?

Answer 6

• arthritis
• diabetes mellitus
• cancer
• respiratory conditions
• cardiovascular disease
• skin disease
• lower urinary tract problems
• hepatic lipidosis

Question 7

What should you use to determine if a pet is overweight?

Answer 7

Body Condition Scoring

Question 8

In what ways can you inform the client & change their perceptions about their overweight pet?

Answer 8

• use a visual scale (BCS) vs. verbal description
• reframe obesity as a clinical condition vs. moral judgement

Question 9

How can you calculate how overweight a patient is, as a percentage?

Answer 9

BW divided by ideal weight, times 100 = % overweight

Question 10

What are some ways to help pets lose weight?

Answer 10

• feed “empty” caloric foods (green beans) & cut back kibble offered
• feed restricted amount of food
• prescription diets → Purina OM (overweight management) D/E, Hills Metabolic Diet, Royal Canin Weight Control (satiety diet)

Question 11

What makes weight loss diets different from other diets?

Answer 11

• lower energy density (kcals)
• higher in protein
• higher in fiber
• lower in fat
• higher concentration vitamins/minerals

Question 12

How many treats should a pet be given?

Answer 12

no more than 10% of total daily calories

Question 13

T/F? Pets will exercise on their own if they are given the chance to go outside on their own.

Answer 13

False! They should be forced to exercise, not left outside unsupervised.

Question 14

What are the basic parameters of exercise?

Answer 14

• type
• frequency
• duration
• intensity
• surfaces/atmosphere

Question 15

What are some exercise options?

Answer 15

• playing
• fetching
• walking
• static exercise
• mixed dynamic exercise
• swimming