Rising rates of obesity in dogs and cats can pose serious risks. In fact, it’s estimated that over half of pets in the United States are overweight or obese to some capacity, yet the problem often goes unnoticed by their owners.
In this blog, we will explore preventative measures that will help keep your pets fit and healthy. If kept on a regular schedule, it may even have benefits for the entire family!
First, the not-so-fun news. Excess weight in pets can trigger a host of medical concerns, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory difficulties, and certain cancers. It can also impair immune function, heighten anesthesia-related risks, and even reduce life expectancy.
However, it’s important to remember that this is almost always a fixable issue with a few simple lifestyle changes. As much as we may not like to admit it, the fact that our pets are overweight is most likely due to habits in our care. Left to their own devices, our furry friends would likely be running, jumping, and exploring outside all day – with little means to overfeed themselves – as much as they may want to!
The fact of the matter remains; it’s up to us to care for our pet’s health in this way.
As obvious as it may sound, the first step in controlling a healthy weight often starts with mealtime. However, as so many pet owners know, sometimes the exact amount of food can be less than clear. After all, we love our pets, and would never want them to be hungry! A great, straightforward, solution to this is consulting your veterinarian. They can provide expert guidance that will both keep your pets fueled and their weight under control at every stage of life, especially as growth and development presents differing nutritional needs. Your veterinarian can recommend not just the correct amount of food for your pet, but also the brand and type, as quality of feed is another important consideration for overall health of your animal. And, just like humans, sticking to a regimented schedule with mealtimes, based on your pet’s daily activity, can be a big help in that push to shed a few pounds.
Then, there’s the dilemma of activity. How much and how often? What about older pets that wear out easily? Again, the key with this one is almost always routine and adaptability. Of course, long walks may be the ideal case scenario, but may not always be feasible given busy schedules, weather conditions, etc. Making a commitment to incorporate some type of physical activity daily is a great first step. Whether it’s a shorter walk around the neighborhood, playtime, introducing new activities like puzzle toys or agility training, or even just a quicker game of fetch between other obligations; all of these can be used to help maintain the physical health and mental stimulation of pets.
The community approach can also be a helpful means of slipping in a couple of hours of play. Team up with a friend or family member who has a fellow restless pet and let them play together. It’s a great way to accomplish activity without always having to cut into hectic routines which won’t allow a walk or game.
Overall, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important ways to support your pet’s long-term well-being. By focusing on proper nutrition, portion control, and consistent activity, pet owners can greatly reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian for a tailored approach to your pet’s weight management plan.
