 Obesity is a very real issue in pets today. Some owners may think that chubby is cute or that their animal is just big boned, but dogs and cats can feel affects of excess weight that owners can be unaware of. As everyone knows the cold weather season is upon us, which means it may not be as pleasant to take your dog out for his/her daily walk, but regular exercise through the cold seasons is still very important. Cats are much easier to exercise and entertain but they need their regular exercise even when it seems more tempting to curl up under a blanket. Some problems associated with obesity are: -Diabetes -Heart Disease -High Blood Pressure -Arthritis -Breathing Difficulties -Fatty Liver Disease (cats) -Skeletal Problems -Exercise Intolerance
Nutrition is the bottom line when discussing obesity. Some animals may have other health conditions that contribute to their weight, and older pets may be more prone to weight gain. Make sure that you are following the recommended amount of food to be fed. This information should be available on the bag or can of food. Just remember that one-cup is equal to one eight ounce fluid cup, not a coffee cup or plastic cup from the cupboard. Avoid feeding your pet table scraps. Limit treat giving or try a low fat/calorie treat. Don’t feed any less than the recommended amount because this may deprive your pet of essential nutrients that he/she needs. When you bring your pet in for his/her annual vaccines it is a good time to discuss your pets weight with your veterinarian or veterinary technician. If your veterinarian feels that your pet could lose some weight, there are diets that are specially formulated to provide adequate nutrition while reducing calorie intake. Exercise is very important to any weight loss program, and is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your pet.
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