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Pet Health Tips |
| Obesity in Pets |
| Obesity is as much a health concern for pets as it is for people. Statistics tell us that 30-40% of our pet population is overweight, and the numbers seem to be growing. Overweight dogs tend to suffer more from arthritis and hip dysplasia, as well as from heart and respiratory diseases. Heavy cats are prone to diabetes and liver disease. Obese rabbits, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and even birds develop intestinal and skin problems. These diseases may decrease the quality of a pet's life or be life threatening. However, they are preventable by monitoring your pet's weight, using proper nutrition, and maintaining regular exercise. |
| Unfortunately, much of the obesity in pets stems from the fact that we as owners equate food with love. We want to make our pets happy, and so we feed them more and more tasty treats. But food is no substitute for love, attention, and quality time spent together. |
| The first step in weight control is to check your pet's weight. This number will give you a starting point, but may not tell you whether your pet is too heavy. A good guideline for dogs and cats is the shape of their bodies. Like people, they should have hourglass figures: the chest and hips wider with a definite narrowing at the waist. The ribs should be easy to feel, but not easily visible. Overweight cats tend to have pendulous abdomens. A bird's keel, or breast bone, should protrude slightly from the strong pectoral, or breast, muscle. Some pets are difficult to assess because of long hair, spines, or feathers. In these cases, a veterinarian's experience and trained eye may help. |
| Weight loss in pets is achieved in much the same way as in people, through diet and exercise. Dogs and cats should be given a quality commercial pet food. Many companies are now making "light" or "less active" formulas in response to the growing problem of overweight pets. Prescription diets are available through veterinarians for obese pets. Heavy pets should not be allowed unlimited access to food, but should receive two carefully measured meals per day. If a restricted-calorie diet and measured meals have not helped, the amount of food can usually be reduced by 25% without harm to a healthy pet. For example, a dog that usually gets 1 cup of food may be fed 3/4 cup instead. Treats should be minimized or excluded since they are equivalent to candy bars in their fat and caloric content. Raw carrots and plain rice cakes are good snacks for dogs. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds often need a more dramatic change in food types and fiber content, so the aid of a veterinarian is needed.
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| Exercise is a very important part of weight loss and of everyday healthy living. All pets need daily exercise. Dogs can start with slow walks of short duration and work up to a few miles. Cats can be encouraged to chase balls and to bat dangling toys. Caged pets may be let out under careful observation. Special exercise wheels exist for many small mammals, and wonderful bird playgrounds featuring ladders and swings are available. A bird can also exercise by flapping its wings while gently riding on its owner's finger or arm. |
| Weight loss in pets is a slow process and is best accomplished under the care of a veterinarian. Rapid weight loss may be dangerous, and there are metabolic diseases, such as hypothyroidism, which may be causing the obesity and need to be corrected first. Consult your veterinarian for a general health exam, the ideal weight and the best diet for your pet so we may all live healthy lives together.
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