Do you like it Would you like to give your cat or dog a special treat to bite? As long as they seem to enjoy it, it’s not necessarily the healthiest move.
Like humans, pets can suffer from weight problems. And with more chubby companion animals coming out, it’s becoming more and more of a problem. A recent study by veterinarians found that obesity was “one of the most common conditions” in 73%, with half of pet dogs and 44% of cats overweight.
It’s a worrying tendency. A chunky pet may seem cute, but in reality, if you have a little extra weight, you may suffer from diabetes, cardiopulmonary problems (such as difficulty breathing while sleeping), and even heat stroke. increase.
Obesity, which is diagnosed when a pet is 15-20% heavier than its ideal weight, is also associated with an increased incidence of symptoms such as osteoarthritis and certain types of cancer.
Needless to say, we all want our pets to live as long as possible. So here are some ways to keep your dog or cat in excellent condition.
4. Keep them active
Many dogs do not exercise regularly. Due to bad weather or behavioral concerns such as anxiety when encountering other dogs or people. Also, while outdoor cats generally remain healthy and active, indoor cats have at least 5% higher body fat levels than outdoor cats and are more prone to obesity.
Exercise is also important for maintaining a healthy weight and losing weight. Try to exercise your dog at least once a day, ideally more. Make sure the length and type of exercise is appropriate for your age and ability, and increase your exercise slowly.
Dogs love the “scent work” or “trick training” that can be done in your living room. And there are plenty of cat toys to encourage your indoor cat buddies to burn some calories while engaging in play.
You can also use scatter feeding (scattering your dog’s food on the ground (after making sure it’s clean and safe)) and a puzzle feeder that encourages your dog to eat food and treats to increase your meal time. You can also make it active.
Hydrotherapy, where dogs swim and walk in pools and treadmills, is ideal for gentle and weightless exercise. This is especially true for older dogs and dogs recovering from injuries.
Even cats can be trained to walk the reed. But if your cat friends simply don’t cooperate, or if you don’t bravely try to confront the weather with your dog, you can try indoor or garden games to stay active.
3. View their diet
Some pets simply enjoy food so much that they can be a little chubby regardless of age. Or, like humans, “middle-aged spread” can occur in pets, which can naturally slow down as they get older.
In any case, you may need to change your diet to maintain a healthy weight. Always use the recommended feeding guidelines (or online calorie calculator) for food packaging as a starting point for the amount you give your pet, as weight loss should be a step-by-step process.
Please keep a meal diary every day. Also, don’t forget to use the scale to accurately weigh your pet’s food. The scoop is very inaccurate and the chances of overeating are much higher.
Even if their weight is very high or approaching the rate of obesity, it may be best to start a pet weight loss journey from a veterinary trip for a complete health check and physical condition assessment. They can also provide a time frame for target weight and weight loss.
2. Be aware of other risks.
Sometimes it’s only in the gene. For example, some Labrador retrievers have genetic mutations that predispose them to “appetizing” behavior and weight gain. Also, pets that have undergone contraceptive neutering can reduce their daily calorie requirements, and if they do not change their diet accordingly, they may inadvertently gain weight.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of the healthy weight and shape of cats and dogs, as well as the factors that may affect them. Trust veterinarians and other professionals to facilitate potentially sensitive conversations with you about the best ways to lose weight in your pet.
1. Throw away high-calorie treats
High-fat foods and treats provide a lot of calories in small amounts, so you can inadvertently overeat your pet. Also, fattened “human” foods, such as leftovers, can cause pounds to build up, along with an increased risk of pancreatitis. Ingestion of toxic foods such as onions and some artificial sweeteners can make it even worse.
However, managing the weight of your pet does not mean that you cannot treat them. Visit your local pet store to find a healthy, low-calorie alternative.
Or look at your fridge. Many dogs love carrots and cucumbers, especially when chopped as a training treat. Cats love tuna and chicken. Both are rich in protein but low in calories.
Don’t forget to look at other ways to treat your pet. Exercise, play, and simply spending time with pets benefit both animals and humans alike.
Every tip requires a little effort. However, keeping your pet lean and healthy can help extend their lifespan. And who in us doesn’t want to be long with our beloved pet?
This article was originally published conversation By Anne Carter and Jacqueline Boyd of Nottingham Trent University. Read the original article here.
