Overweight Pets
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that in 2018:
An estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese.
It seems like you’re showing love when handing out treats on multiple occasions throughout the day. By doing so may actually increase your pet’s risk of developing conditions including obesity. This is especially true if your pet almost always chooses to chill on the couch rather than get a good walk outside.
Balanced Diet Is Important
As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure that your dog or cat maintains a well-balanced diet. Likewise, animal lovers should consider closely monitoring their pet’s dietary regimen to avoid the risk of pet obesity. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping your furry friend within the desirable weight range.
Knowing the age and breed of your pet are important aspects when knowing the ideal weight of your pet. Some dog breeds are genetically heavier than others. Age and gender also play a significant role as older male dogs or cats are naturally heavier than their younger counterpart. You cannot tell if your pet is within normal weight or obese without a benchmark to base it from.
Pet Obesity Causes
Know the causes why your pet might be gaining those extra pounds. Most causes of pet obesity include overfeeding, overeating, and lack of exercise. Overfeeding may involve the owner giving their pet too much food to or leaving their pet with unlimited access to food. Either way, this will cause weight issues later on.
Neutering Can Cause your Pets to Become Obese
Studies show that dogs that have been neutered are twice as likely to become obese than those who have not undergone the procedure. This is mainly because neutered dogs become more passive, which causes them to gain weight over time.
Choose the Right Food for Your Pet
When managing your pet’s diet, make sure you give them a good source of protein and other key nutrients they need to optimally perform. Whitworth Animal Clinic, a leading pet care service provider has many years of experience and a wide selection of healty pet foods and treats . Call Whitworth Animal Clinic today if you need help regarding your pet’s diet and health.
