Pet Overweight: Health Risks & Solutions Explained
For dogs, maintaining a moderate body size is crucial. It not only contributes to their health but also aids in their agility and hunting abilities. However, for certain cat breeds like Persians and Ragdolls, being a bit on the chubby side is quite normal. In general, the best approach is to avoid both excessive obesity and emaciation, striving for a balanced figure.
Consequences of Pet Overweight
Excess weight can lead to pets moving more slowly and reacting more slowly, and in severe cases, it can even affect their daily behaviors. It also increases the likelihood of heart disease in older animals, a condition that is difficult to cure. The general approach is emergency care and nutritional support for the heart.
It raises the risk of fatty liver disease in dogs, and it's worth noting that cats, particularly those that are underweight, are more susceptible to fatty liver. While fatty liver is a mild liver condition, it can significantly impair the liver's detoxifying abilities, which can affect the healing of other diseases in pets.
Moreover, pets with poor liver function may not be suitable for surgery, which can delay the best time for surgery and reduce the chances of recovery.
Common Causes of Pet Overweight
Overfeeding by owners is often the culprit, and pet obesity is more common in dogs, as they lack the ability to selfregulate their eating. Cats, on the other hand, are freefed and do not tend to overeat in one sitting.
So, how should we treat obesity in cats and dogs? The strategy of "less food, more meals" is recommended, along with establishing a regular feeding routine. If you're short on time, avoid giving them too much food at once.
Feeding too much highfat, highsugar food, such as meat and fruits, can increase a pet's nutrition, but it must be done in moderation—once or twice a week is sufficient.
Lack of exercise is another factor. Owners can help by taking their dogs out for playtime more often and engaging in more interactive activities with their cats.
