Hachiko needs to bring his weight down so he is healthier. — MIA GHAUS
As a fitness trainer, Mia Ghaus, 33, advocates a healthy lifestyle, dedicating herself to helping people lead better lives.
But Mia, who is also an animal rescuer, has found herself grappling with the challenges of managing one of her rescued dogs’ weight.
“I’m disappointed that I’ve allowed Hachiko’s weight to get out of control,” says the animal lover, who has a deep passion for rescuing stray cats and dogs.
Despite her active lifestyle, Hachi has put on significant weight over the years, leading to mobility and other health concerns.
Mia rescued the German Shepherd crossbreed from the streets, along with his pack members, Blacky and White Doggy, in 2021.
Back then, Hachi was a lean and strong 19kg – an ideal weight for his size and mixed breed – but eventually, he began to put on weight.
“His metabolism slowed down post-neutering, and he became less active,” Mia explains.
While recovering from the procedure, Hachi was sent to a five-week canine school to help manage his fear and aggression toward humans – behaviours he had developed due to past abuse as a stray.
The structured activities helped him lose the 3kg. But after that, he quickly regained the lost kilos, and then some.
“Hachi is now at his heaviest, at 30kg. And because of his continued weight gain, his right leg has recently started showing signs of stiffness and discomfort, which is very concerning.”
When Hachi was lean and fit, Mia says, people found him intimidating. But now, with his weight, he’s met with coos and giggles as people compare him to an adorable, fluffy bear.
“Chubby cats and dogs may seem endearing, but pet obesity is far from cute,” she says.
Salehatul says some 15% of her patients are obese. — Dr SALEHATUL KHUZAIMAH
Lim says pets are not exempt from diseases such as obesity, which are often influenced by diet, exercise and overall lifestyle. — Dr EVONNE LIM
Not cute
Serv-U Veterinary Clinic veterinarian Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah says chubby pets may look cute, but there is nothing cute about being obese.
“In fact, it can lead to serious health issues like joint problems, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory issues,” she adds.
She explains that pets with a healthy weight tend to be more energetic, active and better able to engage in physical activities, all of which contribute to a longer, healthier life.
“If humans do not want to be overweight, their pets shouldn’t be either,” she adds.
Due to his weight gain and a previous injury from being hit by a car, Hachi developed a severe luxating patella, or a dislocated kneecap, which forced him to undergo surgery in 2022.
Although the surgery was successful and was followed by physiotherapy, his continued weight gain has caused stiffness and discomfort in his right leg, raising concerns about the possibility of another surgery in the future.
Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia head of business segment, companion animals Dr Evonne Lim says pets are not exempt from diseases such as obesity, which are often influenced by diet, exercise and overall lifestyle.
“Preventing these diseases involves providing pets with a balanced diet, regular exercise routine veterinary care and maintaining good dental hygiene, which can significantly enhance pets’ overall well-being and quality of life,” she adds.
Managing weight
For now, Hachi’s weight needs to be brought under control to improve his overall health.
“I’ve cut his meal portions in half, eliminated wet food and treats, and even considered switching to a slow feeder bowl to prevent him from eating too fast,” Mia says.
Salehatul agrees that pet owners should be vigilant about their pets’ diets, citing poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle as key factors contributing to pet obesity.
“It’s basically inappropriate meals – whether it’s too many meals, too many treats or sharing human food,” she says, adding that 15% of her patients are obese.
She says that city pets often have limited access to outdoor spaces for exercise, with many public parks restricting pets, which has resulted in some pet owners pushing their cats and dogs around in strollers.
“It’s a growing trend now, but pet owners must remember that walking their dogs is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and cardiovascular health,” she adds.
The lack of physical activity, Salehatul says, can lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
For pets that don’t need to go out for walks, like cats, she suggests several ways to keep them fit, active and healthy at home.
These include interactive toys like feather wands laser pointers, or balls to stimulate hunting behaviours such as chasing and pouncing.
Cat trees or scratching posts give climbing opportunities to encourage climbing and jumping, which promote muscle development while preventing weight gain.
Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys help stimulate both physical and mental activity while feeding.
“Pet owners can also schedule playtime and use training tools to ensure their cats receive the necessary stimulation to stay healthy and prevent boredom,” she adds.
Maintenance is key
Another key to maintaining a pet’s health is regular veterinary check-ups.
With 18 four-legged fur babies under her care, Mia initially found it challenging to schedule frequent vet visits.
Now, she has arranged for an annual on-site visit by Salehatul to ensure all her rescued animals receive their annual vaccinations and health assessments.
“Vaccinations and check-ups are important, not just for weight management but for overall health,” Salehatul explains.
Medications, she says, also play a vital role in improving both quality of life and life expectancy for pets diagnosed with chronic conditions.
“It is crucial for pet owners to understand that chronic diseases often require lifelong, specific and sometimes expensive medications, which can cause medical costs to accumulate over time,” she explains.
