In today’s modern world, many people tend to view their pets as their very own family members.

This often means that our pets are showered with love and affection, and like the other members of our families, they are spoiled with desserts, snacks, and treats. Treats and a lack of exercise have begun to affect the pet population where pet obesity and health issues have increased in recent years.

The obesity rate in dogs has increased tenfold, and over half of our feline friends suffer from this condition as revealed by a few studies.

Pet Obesity: How it Affects Our Buddies

One of the most unfortunate outcomes of pet obesity is the plethora of health problems; just the same as obesity affects human health. Our pets are no exception.

They are at a higher risk of acquiring osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and urinary tract infections. The extra weight can make it difficult for our furry friends to breathe, and they can easily get tired. Also, obese pets are more likely to have an increased risk of cancer, something no pet owner would want for their buddies.

Pet Obesity: Causes and Statistics

Several factors could lead to pet obesity, including a lack of exercise for your pet, a continuous stream of high carbohydrates and low protein food, and overfeeding. Sometimes, these factors may not always be obvious to pet owners.

Dogs that are overweight are determined to be those carrying too much body fat, and for cats, those who weigh over 20% of their healthy weight.

According to several studies conducted, 33% of cats and 56% of dogs require weight loss treatment to counteract obesity. This shows that pet obesity is a growing problem that requires a solution and lifestyle change for our beloved buddies.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet and a Regular Exercise Routine

Just as with humans, a well-balanced diet can help pets maintain their weight and ensure that they do not get overweight. It is critical to limit the number of calories to avoid overfeeding your pets.

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A well-balanced diet should be comprised of a healthy balance of protein, fiber, fats, and vitamins.

Furthermore, a regular exercise routine is equally important. Regular walks and outdoor activities like playing fetch or going for a swim will help your furry friend stay active, maintaining adequate levels of fitness, and avoid growing overweight.

Consider engaging pets in physical activities and remember to increase their physical activities slowly, easing them into more rigorous activities.

Portion Control is Crucial

A good diet is just one part of maintaining a healthy pet weight, and the other is portion control. A rule of thumb is to restrict treats, including dog biscuits, by at least 10%.

Out of love, many pet owners tend to offer too many snacks or serve portions that are too large for their furry friends, thereby unknowingly feeding obesity. This often makes it difficult to maintain regular pet weight and forces pet owners to look for obesity treatment, which may be more difficult than preventing overweight in the first place.

Regular Vet Check-Ups

A way to keep your pet healthy and prevent obesity is to visit your vet regularly for checkups. Your vet can assist with the monitoring of your pet’s health and endeavor to stabilize your pet’s weight.

Checking your pet’s weight during a routine consultation can help to ensure that you or the vet can prevent any further issues that may arise.

Pet Obesity: Conclusion

It is our responsibility as pet owners to ensure that our beloved friends lead healthy lives. While it can be tempting to shower them with treats and love, this excessive show of affection can lead to obesity and adversely affect their health.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, managing portions, and regular veterinary check-ups are ways to keep our pets healthy and happy.