Body fat can mask heart and lung sounds. The consistency and size of abdominal organs are difficult to feel through intervening fat, says Dr. Brinson. This may prevent the veterinarian from finding early indicators of disease and delay diagnosis until a disease has reached advanced stages. There are diseases, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, that are associated with weight gain. Owners do not realize that they are killing pets with kindness, says Dr. Brinson.
Excess weight is easier to prevent than to lose.
The more weight there is to carry around, the more inactive a pet becomes, the harder it is to exercise and reduce weight. Visits to your veterinarian for your pet's cycle of puppy or kitten shots should include weight monitoring. Then adjustments in diet and exercise can be made early and problems with obesity avoided. If prevention is a missed opportunity, then the first step toward weight reduction and improved health is a visit with your veterinarian. Metabolic problems contributing to weight gain should be corrected before changing your pet's diet or routine.