We thought overfeeding our furry pets will show them how much we love them, and they will be happy with that thought.
We keep feeding them with delectable treats such as peanut butter, dog biscuits, cheesy cat treats, and such.
However, this mindset led to severe problems and the worst-case scenario- their deaths.
What is Pet obesity?
Pet obesity is now becoming a common problem in every household.
The total population of clinically diagnosed with obesity in the United States alone is over 30 million dogs and over 50 million cats.
International research claims that canine obesity gets worse each year.
For these reasons, we must proactively try to learn and exercise the dos and don’ts for them.
How to Check up on your Dogs?
We should always learn to feel the fat if it is developing around their ribs.
Your dog is not obese when you can still feel your dog’s rib cage.
It is conclusive to say that you have an overweight dog if you cannot reach their ribs.
An overweight dog also is physically inactive and goes to sleep right after eating.
These eating habits gradually make dogs unhealthy.
What are the Effects of Obesity?
Keep in mind that when our pets are obese, they suffer from joint pain because of the dangerous weight they carry.
Obesity also weakens the immune system, so it leaves them vulnerable.
Because of this, they are prone to developing illnesses, such as arthritis, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, hypertension, and diabetes.
These will leave devastating effects on our pets’ health even long after you attempted to make them healthier.
How to Solve Pet Obesity?
Our furry dogs and cats come in all shapes and sizes.
Several factors (like calorie levels) determine their diet plan based on their breed, age, and size.
Typically, the rate of losing weight should be at a maximum of 1 or 2%.
The fundamental purpose is to make the pet healthier, not to make them thinner.
Let the veterinarian examine them first before putting them in a steady diet and exercise program.
Your veterinarian will give you a diet plan. Also, avoid giving your dogs different treats.
According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicines research study, each inch of these chews contains 9 to 26 calories, which are unhealthy and may lead to diabetes.
Conclusion
Letting your dogs swim, walk, and play fetch every once in and while will help.
With these exercises, our dogs’ immune system will remain intact, and the secretion of several chemical bodies will return to normal.
The best approach to the exercise program is to start with a moderate but consistent exercise routine before extending it bit by bit.
A motionless lifestyle is most likely what got the pets in that condition, but making them run the entire day won’t solve the issue for a brief period.
Unfortunately, we all know that weight loss won’t happen in an instant.
Your pets will be back to being healthy with their tails wagging happily with the patience and guidance of your veterinarian.
