Walking at the same pace? A sign of good training. Hanging out and watching TV together? Adorable.
Stress-eating together because you’re both home all day because of a disturbing pandemic? Less endearing – and potentially dangerous.
Veterinarians in the US note weight gain and higher levels of obesity Animals since the pandemic began, says Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinary therapist and founder of the Association for the Prevention of Obesity for Pets.
“We’re seeing reports from more and more vets saying, ‘Look, we’re seeing more weight gain this year than we saw last year,’ he told CNN. “(The pandemic) is the perfect storm.”
More snacks at home, less walking outside
Restrictions on movement, coupled with more snacking at home, could likely lead to weight gain and obesity in pets, Ward said.
Simon McDevitt, a New York corgi, is a living example of what can do more snacks and fewer walks for a dog’s health.
Its owner, Margaret McDevitt, told CNN that with more time at home, she tends to get Simon off the couch.
“He’s the best lover of Smartfood popcorn,” she said. “With us more at home, watching our TV in the middle of the day … he sees the bag and he will just beg.”
McDevitt said she noticed about two or three pounds Increase since March 2020 – but that number is difficult to estimate due to the extra fluff it grows as its fur grows long.
In a small apartment, McDevitt said it was difficult to get enough exercise for Simon.
“During Covid, his long walks definitely got shorter,” she said. “Wanting to limit exposure to other people on the street was one thing – but they just weren’t pleasant anymore. To be with so many people, to have to wear a mask … it’s just a different experience.”
In pre-pandemic times, it was easier for Simon to exercise at the dog park or other public space. But the pandemic has made the opportunities less safe, and now with colder weather there are several obstacles to adequate exercise.
You are stressed and so are your pets
There’s another factor Ward said under weight gain and obesity in pets: stress.
“When you are stressed or anxious, your brain secretes a whole cascade of neurochemicals that encourage you to eat,” he said.
And pets pick it up.
“Our pets tend to tackle those emotional traits because they are very empathetic,” he said. “They’re looking for emotional cues.”
McDevitt said Simon has been stress-eating since the pandemic. After getting rid of her job in March and spending more time at home, she noticed that he would eat his meals faster and beg for food more often.
“He’s having a harder time when I leave the house,” she said. “He started having separation anxiety, so after I was home so much, I noticed he was doing it as a coping mechanism.”
She said she intends to gain a healthy weight.
“Now that spring has arrived, I plan to extend his hikes again,” she said. “I just got a new job, so I’m trying to get him on a grill for when I leave the house … now that I’m not home that much, he’s definitely going to take the (popcorn) off. “
Keep the chonk in check
Pet owners need to keep the weight of their pets under control, despite how cute the extra fluff can be, Ward said.
Pet obesity can increase an animal’s risk for diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer if ignored, he said.
But Ward said obesity-related diseases are preventable.
“It’s like we have a crystal ball,” he said. “We know what’s going to happen to your 18 pound cat in the future.”
For pet parents who want their pet’s weight under control, Ward said the first thing to do is solve the problem.
To see if their pet is overweight, owners can look at the animal’s side profile to see if it has a lower hanging belly. Or they can look at their pet from above – if they have a blimp or balloon look, this is a good indication of being overweight.
Once pet owners understand the weight of their pets, they may begin to rewire some of the negative quarantine habits, such as sitting too much or snacking too much.
As always, taking pets to the vet is a sure way to understand the risk involved in weighing a pet.
But Ward said pet owners should not end up chasing a number on a scale – they should chase the quality of life.
Simon has come a long way since his rescue in 2014, McDevitt said. She worked hard to alleviate his anxiety and strengthen his confidence – and the two formed a strikingly close bond in the process.
“He’s my pandemic friend,” she said. “We have to take care of each other.”