Obesity and Our Pets

Recent surveys taken by various pet organizations all attest identical results – More than 50% of the pet population in the US is overweight and 21% of those overweight pets are obese. We adore our furry friends and most of us consider them them to be family members. The idea that we are killing them with food is a very disturbing one. That is what obesity - or even just being overweight - does to our pets. It decreases their lifespan and complicates it with illnesses, such as high blood pressure, crippling arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. On average, extra pounds shorten a dogs’ life by about 2 -21/2 years.

Many pet parents have overweight pets and don’t know it. A study by Pfizer Animal Health showed that while 47% of vets believed their canine patients were overweight, only 17% of owners concurred. Observe your pet. You should be able to touch your dog’s ribs without pushing and your pup should have a distinct ‘waist’ between the back of the ribs and the hips when you view them from above. If your pooch fails this test, they are probably overweight. Talk to your vet. Some dogs have metabolic, thyroid, or heart disorders that bring on weight gain and some just consume far too many calories. Your vet will be able to help decide if your pet does need to shed pounds and what the root of and solution to the problem is.

Prevention really is the best medicine. Purchasing your pooch a high quality dog food with meat as the top ingredients will go far in bettering his health. Dog food made chiefly of corn and grains is not very healthy and offers little actual nutrition for your dog. Quality dog food will fulfill all of your dog’s needs. While a cheeseburger is a lunch for you, it’s the equivalent of 5 days worth of calories for a small dog. Portion control is key. Read the label on your dog’s food and feed him the recommended amount for not his current weight, but the weight he should be. Increasing activity will benefit your pet both physically and mentally. A brisk 20 minute walk twice a day is sure to help burn extra fat. A happy dog is a healthy and fit dog. The healthier your pet is, the longer he’ll live to enrich your life.