Do you like giving your pet an extra treat? It isn't always the healthiest move as they seem to enjoy it.
Pets can suffer from weight issues. More chubby companion animals are around now than ever before.
According to a recent survey of veterinarians, 73 percent said that Obesity was one of the most prevalent conditions, with as many as half of pet dogs and 44 percent of cats carrying excess weight.
It is a worrying trend. Even a little extra weight can cause serious health issues for your pet, from diabetes to cardiorespiratory problems (such as trouble breathing when asleep), and even an increased chance of suffering from heat.
An increased incidence of conditions such as osteoarthritis and some forms of cancer is associated with Obesity, which is diagnosed when a pet is carrying 20 percent more than their ideal bodyweight.
We all want our pets to live as long as possible. Here are a few ways to keep your dog or cat healthy.
Many dogs are not regularly exercised because of poor weather, or because of behavioral concerns, such as anxiety when they encounter other dogs or people.
While outdoor cats generally keep themselves fit and active, indoor cats can have a level of body fat that is at least 5 percent higher than outdoor cats.
Maintaining a healthy body weight and weight loss are both possible with exercise. Try to exercise your dog at least once a day. Ensure the length and type of exercise is appropriate for their age and ability, and increase any exercise slowly.
The living room is a great place to do trick training for dogs. There are a lot of cat toys to help burn calories in the house.
If you scatter your dog's food on the ground, it will encourage your dog to work for food.
A great option for gentle or non-weight-bearing exercise is hydrotherapy, which involves getting your dog to swim or walk in a pool or water treadmill. Older dogs recovering from injury are more likely to suffer from this.
Cats can be trained to walk on a lead. If you don't feel like braving the weather with your dog, you can try indoor or garden games.
Pets can get a bit chubby if they enjoy their food so much. Middle age spread can occur in pets who may slow down as they get older.
They may need to change their diet to maintain a healthy body. Always use recommended feeding guidelines on food packaging or online calories calculator as a starting point for how much to feed your pet, as weight loss should be a gradual process.
You should keep a food diary. Use a scale to weigh out your pet's food. Scoops make overfeeding much more likely.
If their weight is too high, or even approaching obese proportions, it may be best to take your pet to the vet for a full health check and body condition assessment. They will be able to give a time frame for weight loss.
Sometimes it is in the genes. Some Labrador retrievers have a genetic variation that makes them more likely to be foodie and gain weight. neutered pets can have reduced daily calories, so if their diet is not altered accordingly they can gain weight.
It is important to know what a healthy bodyweight and shape is for your cat or dog, and the factors that could affect it.
Trust vets and other professionals to make it easier for them to have sensitive conversations with you about how to help your pet lose weight.
It can be easy to over feed your pet because of the calories in high-fat food and treats. They can pile on the pounds and be at increased risk of pancreatitis if they eat toxic foods, such as onions and some artificial sweeteners.
You can treat your pet if you manage their weight. Take a trip to your local pet store to find low-cal alternatives.
Take a look at the fridge. Many dogs like carrot or cucumber as a training treat. Chicken and tuna are low in calories and high in nutrition, and cats love them.
Spending time with your pet will benefit both animal and human alike.
All of the tips require some effort. Keeping your pet healthy and lean will help prolong their life. Who does not want to stay with their beloved pets?
Anne Carter is a senior lecturer in animal biology at the university.
This article is free to use under a Creative Commons license. The original article is worth a read.
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