The Pudgy Problem with Pet Obesity
Pet health care means making sure your furry friend stays at a suitable weight.
The right pet insurance can help an owner know its furry friend is cared for should illness or injury occur - but another way to make certain an animal stays fit and well is to stop it becoming obese.
For dogs and cats, fat is a very dangerous issue - it presents various health risks that can be severe. But, because animals cannot tell us when they are sick or hurt, it means we have to be extra careful and observant to make sure they do not gain too much weight and suffer any consequent problems. These range from high blood pressure to kidney disease, heart problems and certain kinds of diabetes.
How do I tell if my pet is too fat?
There are easy checks to carry out - but always consult a vet if the dog or cat does not pass them.
- Can you see and feel the pet's waist and, when viewed from above, is it clearly visible?
- Is their belly tucked up when looked at from the side?
- Can you feel and see the outline of their ribs - or is this covered with excess fat?
Does its breed have anything to do with the problem?
According to the RSPCA, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of some pets being obese - particularly in canines. The breed of dog can affect whether or not they have a higher chance of gaining too much weight, as can age, sex and if they have been neutered.
My pet is obese - what now?
The charity says taking a trip to see an expert is the first thing to do, as they can administer a proper physical examination and recommend solutions to help the dog or cat back to its ideal weight.
Most of the time, this combines a diet and exercise plan that will enable the animal to shed excess pounds and return to full fitness. However, there are a few tips that are worth following no matter what size a pet is:
- Use snacks in moderation
- Take a look at these rewards and opt for a healthier version - like human treats, they may be full of fats and sugars
- Aim for regular feeding times and consistent portion sizes
- Take your dog for frequent walks
- Cats may benefit from calorie-controlled diets, but don't start this type of thing without help from a vet
Is it a common problem?
Unfortunately, obesity in pets is becoming a more widespread concern among experts and owners. Catharine - a vet at the RSPCA's Putney Animal Hospital - said she sees a lot of cases.
"You can tell owners time and time again not to overfeed their animals and they’ll still give them treats - they believe the pet is hungry," she explained.
"[Obesity] can cause all sorts of problems, like the dog [I treated] earlier with a knee injury. If he doesn't lose the extra weight he’s going to have serious problems with his mobility. He's previously received surgery but weight loss is the single biggest thing that will help him."
