With the holidays over and spring just around the corner, we
thought it’s an appropriate time to talk about an all too common problem – pet obesity. Did you know that approximately 52% of dogs
and cats in the United States are overweight or obese? Being overweight puts your pet at risk for a
variety of health problems including diabetes, hypothyroidism, arthritis and
cardiovascular disease. Just like us,
pets who maintain a healthy body weight reduce the risk of falling victim to
preventable health problems.
Similar to humans determining their body condition using
their body mass index (BMI), a veterinarian determines your pet’s body
condition score (BCS) to evaluate their current body mass. During your pet’s physical examination, your
veterinarian will be able to tell you if your pet’s BCS is within a healthy
range. If your pet is outside the
desirable BCS, your veterinarian can offer some tips to get your pet on the
right track. Here are some tips to keep
your pet in great shape!
- Portion control is key when feeding your pet.
- When determining how much to feed your pet, less is often the healthier choice.
- Daily physical activity should be a priority.
A few changes in your pet’s diet and exercise habits can
make a huge impact in the overall quality of their health. Research has proven that dogs consuming calorie-restricted
diets live two years longer than those lacking calorie restriction. Including the benefit of weight loss, daily
exercise strengthens the pet-owner bond!
Now that we’re in the homestretch to spring, it’s a great time to get
outside and start a daily exercise routine with your pet. Before making any changes to your pet’s diet,
please consult with your veterinarian.
