Pet Obesity Prevention: Is Your Furry Friend Healthy?

October 10, 2012

Pet obesity is on the rise! As the obesity rates for humans are on the rise, a recent study on our furry friends has found that American dogs and cats face an obesity epidemic much like our own.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention:

  • 53 percent of adult dogs are overweight or obese
  • 55 percent of cats are overweight or obesity
  • pet obesity affects 41 million dogs and 47 million cats

The main culprit: the well- intentioned owners who routinely overfeed pets and don’t exercise them enough.

Is your pet healthy?

We love our pets and often treat them like another member of the family. We spoil them, speak baby-talk to them, buy them the latest toys and over-sized designer beds, and give them full run of the household furniture. We lavish them with belly rubs and praise them for the smallest of accomplishments. And yes, many of us often reward our pets with food in an effort to show our love and affection. After all, who can deny those puppy-dog eyes, wagging tales, and warm cat purrs near the treat drawer? But when it comes to food rewards for your favorite cuddle buddy, less is more. It’s all about quality over quantity.

As pet owners, we have the responsibility to commit ourselves to insuring that our pets get the attention and care they deserve. The best way to show your pet love and affection is to help it maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Prevent pet obesity with eight pet health-care tips for pet owners:

  1. Be mindful of your pets weight.
  2.  After consulting your veterinarian, follow suggested nutritional guidelines for your favorite pet.
  3. Practice portion control at meal times.
  4. Shower your pet with love and attention instead of too many high-calorie treats.
  5. No more table scraps!
  6. Get moving! Exercise your pet daily and you will benefit too!
  7. Schedule timely veterinary care.
  8. Practice good dental hygiene or schedule routine veterinary dental cleanings. (Not doing so can lead to bone loss in the jaw, kidney problems, and heart muscle issues.)
And of course, pamper your pet with non- food rewards. Lots of hugs will do your pets body and soul good!
pet obesity preventionDID YOU KNOW?
Just like their human companions, an overweight pet that maintains a sedentary lifestyle and does not have a well-balanced and nutritious diet is subject to several comorbidities including diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart and respiratory disease, kidney disease, and a decreased life expectancy of up to two and a half years.