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I know what you are thinking. Pudgy pets. You have to be kidding me right now. That can’t be a problem! Nope. Not at all. Obesity is actually the biggest threat to pets’ lives (especially dogs and cats)!! Most cats and dogs in America — 59.5% of cats and 55.8% of dogs — are either overweight or obese, and the steeply increasing numbers aren’t slowing.
Just like obesity in humans, the extra pounds in animals can cause many diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, and cancer, in addition to lowering their immune systems, stamina, and even shortening the life span of your pet by 2 years!
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What is the biggest reason for this increase in obesity in pets? You got it. Treats. We know you love your pets, but you don’t need to harm them to show love. Those seemingly “harmless” treats you sneak in for them are causing them to pack on pounds — causing struggles for both you and your pet — and increasing visits to the vet. Opt for healthier snacks like vegetables, and stay away from those sold in stores as they can have lots of added sugar and calories to keep them asking for more.
How do I know if my pet is obese? This question is definitely running through your head right now. He looks healthy…but what if he isn’t? Don’t worry. There are some tests you can try to make sure your dog or cat is in a healthy weight. When they are standing, feel around their stomach area. If you can feel their ribs and spine with minimal effort, your pet is fine — but make sure it isn’t jutting out — or else you should be feeding them more! If you can’t feel the ribs and spine, and you notice them putting on a good bit of weight, you might want to have a little chat with your vet.
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What do you do if your pet is overweight or obese? Many have tried different diets or limiting portion sizes, with varied success, but the best thing to do is to talk to your veterinarian. They are trained professionals in the area and will know what’s best for your dog or cat’s health. They may suggest you the proper route to take in both diet and exercise.
Obesity is a big problem in not only humans but in pets too. If not noticed soon enough, they can have devastating effects on your pet’s health. Make sure your pets are fed well with nutritious meals, not constant treats and snacks, and that they exercise regularly. But remember, though your pet may be a little on the heavier side, its never too late to turn their lives around and changing their lifestyle for the better.
Sources: https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_long_term_effects_of_obesity_on_pets https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/03/12/pet-obesity-majority-us-cats-and-dogs-obese-overweight/3129342002/ https://www.newsweek.com/pets-obesity-dogs-cats-health-animals-1359969