Are you concerned about pet obesity and your furry friends’ health? Overweight pets are a growing concern among vets and can lead to complications and health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, joint pain, diabetes, a reduced lifespan, and more.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 61% of cats and 59% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Fortunately, there is hope. As your pet’s best friend, there are things you can do to reduce and prevent pet obesity from the start.
Consider Existing Health Conditions
Consider your pet’s current health conditions before embarking on their healthy eating and exercise journey. Just like humans, pets can also suffer from health conditions that cause weight gain and stubborn weight problems.
Your dog may have hypothyroidism, which can lead to fat buildup around their abdomen. Liver disease, gastritis, and kidney disease are all reasons for weight gain in dogs. Some cat breeds are also more prone to gaining weight than others.
Offer a Balanced Diet
Pets need a balanced diet with a variety of fresh ingredients and a blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of water. It’s wise to talk to your vet about an ideal diet for your pet to determine how many calories your dog or cat probably needs in a day. Your vet can also advise on specific foods to help with dental care, digestion, and weight loss.
Exercise Portion Control
Although a healthy diet is vital, too much of any kind of food can still lead to pet obesity. It’s vital to measure your pet’s food according to the guidelines on the food packaging or per the recommendation of your veterinarian. Remember that throwing in snacks and free-feeding your pets can also lead to excessive food consumption. Set a schedule for when you will feed your pet and stick to it.
Moderate Your Pet’s Favorite Treats
We all love to spoil our pets and make them feel special. Instead of reaching for the treats, focus on offering play, attention, and love instead. When you do offer treats, avoid table scraps and human food. Instead, sporadically offer low-calorie treats, including carrot sticks, and formulated diet treats that align with your pet’s overall healthy, balanced diet.
Regularly Walk and Exercise Your Pets
Your pet needs regular exercise and play to stay healthy and avoid pet obesity. Dogs typically require about an hour or more of exercise per day. Engage your dog in a variety of activities such as walks, fetch, swimming, agility training, and frisbee.
Cats also need regular exercise to tap into their natural hunting instincts. A feather wand or laser pointer provides hours of fun and encourages physical activity. Other pets, like rabbits, also need exercise and benefit from free-range activities, including ramps to run on, boxes to climb, and cardboard tubes.
Get Your Family or Roommates Involved
If you live with your family or have roommates, get them involved in your mission to prevent pet obesity. Ask them to avoid giving treats and engage in regular playtime instead. Every family member working together will make it easier to achieve your goals and give your pet a consistent, nurturing, health-focused experience.
Routinely Monitor Your Pet’s Diet
Once you’ve established a healthy diet for your pet, they need regular weigh-ins to monitor their progress. Keep a weight log, or use an app to look for trends and adjust as needed. Take it with you to your veterinarian during regular check-ups to share the progress and ask for feedback.
Schedule a Consultation with a Veterinarian
If you’re struggling with pet obesity and don’t see progress, turn to the team at Companion Animals Rehab and Athletics (CARA). After assessing what’s going on with your pets, we may recommend hydrotherapy, an effective and versatile way to harness the unique properties of water.
Our techniques can help aid in their recovery and maintain fitness for your pets. Beyond weight management, hydrotherapy can also help soothe sore muscles and arthritis.
Enhance Your Pet’s Life with Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics
Are you looking for an innovative approach to caring for your pet and preventing pet obesity? Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics (CARA) is dedicated to providing integrative medicine, sports medicine, and rehabilitation therapy for your beloved pets. We provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for both pets and their owners, with the highest quality care and customized treatment. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to take the next step in your pet’s health and wellness journey for a longer-lasting life.
