It's that time of the year again. Record numbers of Americans hit the gyms and go on post-holiday diets in January to live up to their New Year's Resolutions. Are your pets packing on the pounds while you are pounding the treadmill?
Yes, according to a recent nationwide survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. The survey indicates that 43% of dogs and 53% of cats are overweight or obese.
Pets, like people, become overweight if they do not exercise enough in relation to the amount of food they consume on a daily basis.
Obesity can put pets at risk for numerous health issues including Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis, liver disease and chronic skin conditions.
Many pet owners overfeed and under exercise their pets. If too much food is available, most pets will engage in emotional overeating if they become bored, lonely or stressed. Owners may overfeed their pets for many reasons including:
Guilt – Owners overfeed to compensate for not being home or not paying enough attention to pets.
Affection – Owners want to show affection by giving pets treats or extra food.
Rewards – Pet owners provide too much food or treats to reward pets for good behavior, obeying commands or doing tricks.
Pet Begging – Owners and sometimes each family member often feed table food to pets in response to begging. This leads to the pet eating a nutritionally imbalanced diet.
How do you know if your cat is too fat or your pooch is too pouchy? Consult your veterinarian if your pet looks fat or feels heavier, if you can’t feel your pet’s rib cage, or if your pet seems reluctant to exercise. Any deviation from your pet’s normal weight may indicate a health problem. However, if the problem is overweight or obesity, your vet will design a diet and exercise plan suitable for the type of pet, his age and nutritional requirements. Don’t put your pet on a diet without consulting a vet. Excessive food restriction can also cause problems, especially for cats which can develop Hepatic lipidosis (a liver disease).
Here are some tips to help you and your pet stick to the vet-prescribed diet:
Put food away. Leaving food out all day is an invitation for continuous grazing.
Substitute affection for food. Spend more time petting and playing with your pet.
Reward great behavior with lavish praise and petting.
Pet and play with your pet as a distraction from an empty dish when it’s not mealtime.
Offer fresh water. Many pets do not get enough to drink, and thirst can masquerade as hunger, so fill up the water bowl.
Warm up food. Your pet may enjoy diet food more if you warm it up slightly. Always check the temperature to make sure it is not so hot as to burn the pet.
Add vegetables and fruit to dog food if it’s acceptable to your vet.
Your vet will suggest exercise for your pet. Two ten minutes periods for cats or two fifteen minute periods for dogs might be adequate but can be more challenging than it sounds for pet owners. Here are a few ideas:
To get your pet moving a little, move the pet’s food to a different location in the house for every meal and for dogs try hiding part of the kibble in time-released toys. This will get them moving around more.
Try standing at the foot of the stairs with the pet and throwing one piece of kibble up the steps. After he eats, call him down and repeat this a few times.
For dogs, try walking at a faster pace and avoid so many stops to sniff around by using a command like “keep going.”
For cats, try placing bird feeders outside several windows where the cat can look out. The cat will move from window to window trying to stalk them.
Play with your pets. Throw a ball or stick for your dog. Drag strings or feather toys across the floor, around the furniture and up the steps for you cat.
Be patient. It takes time to see results of a diet and exercise program for your pet. At best, your cat will only lose one pound each month and your dog only a few pounds per month.
Proper diet and nutrition will help reduce the effects of stress on your pet. Good nutrition can bolster your pet's immune system, increase its level of energy, and contribute to a healthy coat of fur or feathers.
Appetite is a hallmark of good health. Pets with robust appetites are full of energy and vitality. They are ready for long walks and other activities. Veterinarians usually ask about your pet’s appetite and your answer assists your vet in diagnosing disease and assessing the health of your pet.
A lack of appetite doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Sometimes it means your pet simply doesn’t like his food. Offering appropriate and tasty food will insure better health and less stress for both you and your pet. Some brands of pet food include fillers or are processed in ways that cause physical stress and health problems for your pet. You can read more about good nutrition under the category headings for your type of pet and always consult your vet about proper nutrition for your individual pet.
Supplements can help boost nutrition if your pet won’t eat what is good for him. Many pet vitamins are available in flavors your pet will find irresistible. Consult with your vet to learn what is best for your pet.
Obesity can put pets at risk for numerous health issues including Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis, liver disease and chronic skin conditions.
can’t feel your pet’s rib cage, or if your pet seems reluctant to exercise. Any deviation from your pet’s normal weight may indicate a health problem. However, if the problem is overweight or obesity, your vet will design a diet and exercise plan suitable for the type of pet, his age and nutritional requirements. Don’t put your pet on a diet without consulting a vet. Excessive food restriction can also cause problems, especially for cats which can develop Hepatic lipidosis (a liver disease).
the pet’s food to a different location in the house for every meal and for dogs try hiding part of the kibble in time-released toys. This will get them moving around more.
