Pet Obesity

According to the Association For Pet Obesity Prevention, 54% of America's dogs and cats are overweight. Besides being unsightly, being overweight can cause many physical problems for pets. An overweight dog is more likely to have arthritis problems as they get older as well as other orthopedic problems. Increased body weight puts them at risk for rupturing their cranial cruciate ligament (like ACL in humans) in their knee, requiring surgical repair. Overweight dogs and cats are more likely to have heart problems and have trouble breathing than their lighter counterparts. Obesity in cats can lead to diabetes and increased blood pressure which can both be life threatening. So, bottom line, a pet with an ideal body weight will likely live longer than one who is overweight. An ideal body weight differs from animal to animal, but there are a few guidelines to follow. The animal should have a visible waist line and you should be able to feel the ribs without seeing them. If you think your pet is overweight, set up an appointment with your vet to talk about a plan of action before it is too late. If your dog is unable to lose weight on a reduced calorie diet with increased exercise, he/she could have a thyroid problem. If your pet is overwight, there are low calorie foods that can be fed to lower the weight at a safe rate. Be sure to check the back of the bag for the daily amount your pet should receive. You should feed for the ideal weight (weight your pet should weigh) not the actual weight of your pet. This is where your vet can help out!! Treats can be high in calories, so try to limit the treats that are fed. Raw baby carrots provide a crunchy and sweet treat and most dogs love them!! Increased exercise is also great for both dogs and cats. Cat trees and toys provide opportunities for cats to run and climb. If you don't have a fenced in yard for your dog to run and play, just grab a leash and go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful weather before the heat arrives!!!