Obesity | Pet Obesity | Pet Health
My Pet Is Chunky, So What?
FOOD IS NOT LOVE!
Obese pets are adorable, don’t get me wrong, but it’s so unhealthy for them!
The Effects of Obesity
The top problems due to obesity are heart diseases, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and fatty liver disease. Other risks caused by obesity include diabetes, pancreatitis, liver failure, skin problems (decubitus ulcers), alopecia, different types of cancer, hypothyroidism, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, a shorter lifespan and even more problems.
Obesity Qualifications
An animal is considered obese when it is 20% over normal weight. A good indication that your pet is overweight is that it is difficult or even impossible to feel your pet’s ribs and you are unable to see an abdominal tuck on them or an hourglass type shape. For an easier analysis you can check your pet’s Body Condition Score. On a scale of 1–5, a 4 or 5 is on the overweight and obese side. (See scale below)
Causes of Obesity
Owners are main reason for obesity. Most people don’t understand that animals do not process food like humans do, so the main cause of obesity is the pet eating too much human food. A minute amount of human food can be the calorie equivalent of a full meal for a pet. Many owners do not follow the feeding guidelines and overfeed their pets; whether it’s pet food, human food, or treats. Another reason for obesity is lack of exercise.
Reasons to Lose Weight
People don’t realize that in the long run it will save them money if their pet loses weight, because it means less visits to the veterinary clinic. Above all else, it extends your pet’s life, keeps your pet comfortable and improves their health. Pets that have an ideal body condition score live 1.8 years longer than overweight pets.
Management of Obesity
The best thing you can do on your own is to increase exercise! Try taking an half-hour walk once or twice a day for a start. Do not crash diet an animal and NEVER make a cat or dog fast! Losing weight will take time, it won’t happen overnight nor should it happen quickly. The preferable amount of time for your pet to lose weight is over a six to eight month time period. Be sure to make an official plan with your veterinarian to see what is best for your pet.
Be patient with the process and know that food is not love.
(Read a success story here from Good Housekeeping.)
