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Pet Obesity Awareness

 

Pet Obesity Awareness Day is right around the corner (October 10, in fact!). While it may not be the most fun holiday around, it does mark an important time to reevaluate our companions' well-being and educate ourselves as their guardians. Veterinarians across the country are seeing more and more obese pets in their offices than ever.


In fact, research from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention states that 58 percent of cats and 53 percent of dogs in the US were overweight in 2014. So what can we do?




Why it matters

It may not seem like much, but one or two "extra pounds" on your furry friend can make a difference: that's a whopping 5 - 10 percent of their body-weight for a 20 pound dog! And, the more pounds they pack on, the greater the potential risks become. Both dogs and cats can suffer from arthritis earlier in life; some forms of cancer are also more prevalent in obese pets, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). PetMD states that other complications can arise as well, which include:


  • diabetes
  • liver disease
  • hypertension
  • respiratory difficulties
  • osteoarthritis
  • lowered immune system function
  • greater risks during surgery

For cats, in particular, too much excess weight can also lead to problems with self-grooming, says the AAHA. This can adversely impact their hygiene as well as their mental well-being, since grooming is very important to cats.



Making a change

What if my furry pal is already a bit plump? The first reasonable consideration might be diet and exercise: fewer calories in + more calories out = weight loss! Right? Well, yes mostly. However, you should NEVER begin a diet regimen for your companion without first discussing it with his veterinarian. For cats especially, too steep a diet could possibly lead to a fatal liver disease. Because weight gain is gradual, we as guardians are typically not the first to notice when our companion is getting a little larger. Your veterinarian is likely the first to notice. And if they do, talk with them about improving your companion's health: it doesn't reflect poorly on you as the guardian if the vet expresses concern at your furry friend's weight!


Ultimately, a combination of lower-calorie food (or less food in general) plus enough supervised play/activity will be what saves the day. BUT, always consult with your companion's vet so that they get the appropriate, gradual diet and exercise regimen for their specific age, weight, breed, and other health considerations.



Preventative steps

If there's one thing we can count on, it's "change." Maybe our vet has given our companion a clean bill of health and they're fit as a fiddle, but that doesn't mean we can rest easy. As our companions age, their physiology changes as well as their physical needs. Be sure you're feeding the right amount as well as the right kind of food to your companion, so that they get the appropriate nutrients for their age and size. Who doesn't love reminding their companion how good a boy or girl they are? Often, we do this with treats.


While we may consider extra food to equal extra love (which isn't necessarily wrong!), those extra treats really equal extra calories. To your dog, some treats can even be the caloric equivalent of you eating a cheeseburger as a snack; that's a lot of calories! So, instead of highly processed pet treats or human food, try all-natural low-calorie options like baby carrots. Then, of course, there's the exercise. Whatever shape your companion may be in, an appropriate amount of physical activity every day is vital to their well-being. In general, dogs need about 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and cats need three intense playtimes for about five minutes each.


Of course, this varies with age, size, and breed, but your time spent with your companion can truly determine their fitness. However you choose to keep your companion happy and healthy, Wag N' Wash is here to help! Ask a team member about lower calorie food and treat options.

 

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