Just like with people, overweight and obese pets are at greater risk for many health problems.
Health Risks for Overweight Pets:
• Diabetes
• Skeletal stress, including damage to joints, bones, and ligaments
• Respiratory problems, increased blood pressure, and heart disease
• Decreased stamina and heat intolerance
• Decreased liver function
• Digestive disorders
• Decreased immune function
• Skin and hair coat problems
• Increased risk of cancer
• Urinary tract infections
• Decreased quality and length of life
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Encourage excercise. This can involve walks, play-time, etc. Get your pet moving!
Choose the correct type and amount of food. Simply cutting back on the amount of food you feed your pet may also decrease the amount of essential vitamins and minerals it receives. Prescription weight loss diets ensure an adequate intake of essential nutrients while eliminating excess calories. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right food for your pet.
Regularly monitor the pet’s weight. A small change in your pet’s weight can have big consequences.
Regulate your young pet's weight. Stop the problem before it starts by feeding your puppy or kitten healthy food, making sure it gets lots of exercise, and not giving it “people food."
Limit or eliminate treats. Treats should be given sparingly and should not make up more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
Treat any medical problems or diseases. Just as in humans, obesity is sometimes a symptom of an underlying medical problem and may not be successfully addressed until any medical issues are dealt with.
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Science Diet's PetFit Challenge contains tips, videos, a weight tracker and valuable offers.
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