How To Prevent Dog Obesity
A treat here, a crumb there, the crusts on your sandwich- seems innocent when your pet gives you their puppy dog eyes.
How can we say no? Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, many pet parents feed their pets more than they realize, unknowingly leading their furry loved ones to gain weight, develop unhealthy habits, and eventually develop disorders such as obesity.
To prevent this, we wanted pet parents to understand pet obesity and how to avoid it.
What is Dog Obesity?
Dog obesity is excess fat and weight throughout your pet’s body. Dog obesity can be caused by lack of exercise, overfeeding, and potentially underlying problems. In 2018, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that 56% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese.
Obesity in dogs occurs when excessive adipose tissue accumulates in the body. It appears when an animal’s body weight is at least 20% greater than its optimal body weight.
So, with a disease as common as pet obesity, why are so many domesticated pets getting heavier and heavier?
The Risks Associated With Dog Obesity
As pet obesity is a weight-related disorder, weight-related, long-term risks are associated with excessive fat on a heavier pet’s body. This can include
- Arthritis and mobility issues
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
As terrifying as these disorders and illnesses can be, preventative measures can be taken to minimize and reduce your furry friends’ risks.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Dog Obesity?
Despite the consequences associated with pet obesity, simple steps, starting within the walls of your home, can be done to nip it before it nips your pet.
- Portion Control: Like humans, portion control is essential to ensuring your pet gets the adequate serving size for their weight, age, and activity status. As much as your pet may not enjoy the change in food habits, it’s an essential step in keeping them healthier for longer.
- Increase Your Pets Exercise: Yet again, exercise is just as crucial for your pets as it is for yourself. Try incorporating your pet into your exercise routine or finding alternatives like walking to brunches or parks with your pet when meeting up for pet-friendly social activities. If your pet happens to be a dog, our dog-walking services are an excellent alternative for those who may be short on time.
- Monitor Your Fur Baby’s Weight: Keeping track of your pet’s weight loss is essential in finding a routine that works for them. Keep monthly logs to ensure they maintain a healthy weight loss.
- Talk To Your Vet: Talk to your vet for alternative food choices and weight monitoring if any worries arise. Visiting the vet can also uncover any potential underlying issues your pet may be experiencing.
It’s important to remember that your pet is still a creature that feels the stress of a situation like this. As they don’t understand why food is getting restricted, giving them lots of love and support is essential during this time. If you need help getting your pups up and moving, contact us. We are here to help. Even one walk a day for 30 minutes will help your canine companion stay fit and prevent pet obesity.
Is your dog overweight or obese? Consider adding a treadmill workout to their schedule to get them moving more regularly. Or contact us directly to learn how we can help your pets lose some weight and regain their overall health.