Is Your Cat or Dog Overweight?

13 hours ago, in Health & Beauty

In some cultures, when people are overweight they are considered wealthy and beautiful.?? While some people may be obese and beautiful, that doesn?t accurately reflect their state of health.? Dogs and cats are no different than humans when it comes to the health risks and downfalls of being overweight.? There is a direct correlation with a litany of health problems from diabetes and extra stress on bones, cartilage and the heart to a vastly shortened life span.

The Facts

Statistics show that approximately one third to one half of all cats and dogs in the United States are overweight.? While an owner may feel as if they are providing love and care to their pup when they overfeed them and give them lots of treats throughout the day, the reverse is actually true.? Dogs do not have the ability to stop eating or know when enough is enough.? If you overfeed your dog, you are taking years off their life.? Studies have shown that overweight dogs and cats live on average a few years less than in shape healthy dogs and cats.? In percentage terms of a dog or cat?s life, that?s huge!? It is an approximate 20% life expectancy decrease!? ?Also for heavier pets, anesthesia is riskier as well, which is just one more reason to make sure your pet is not overweight.

Is Your Pet Overweight?

Can you feel your dog or cat?s ribs without pushing hard?? Has your dog or cat lost their ?figure? or waistline?? Does your dog struggle to keep up with you on walks?? Has your doctor informed you that your pet is at a higher risk of a surgical procedure?? Answering ?yes? to these questions may indicate that your pet is overweight.? Weight issues are typically management issues.? If your dog or cat is overweight or obese, chances are you have been feeding them too many calories and have not been providing them with enough exercise and stimulation.? The solution is simple; just reduce the amount of food that they receive. Not only at feeding time but treats throughout the day, table scraps etc.? As the resource manager, you need to manage your pet?s intake.

Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle

There are a ton of advantages to both humans and pets when exercising your pet.? Both you and your pup?s health will improve, your waistlines will reappear and you will live longer healthier lives.

When your dog or cat looks at you with those gorgeous eyes, it is understandably hard to say no to treats and food.? But as the pet parent it is your responsibility to keep this in check as only you know what is healthiest and best for your pet.? The pet owner?s responsibility and the pledge every pet owner should have made when they became a guardian of another sentient being was (amongst other things) to provide a healthy and safe environment for their pet. ??This includes, dog training, a healthy diet, pet insurance and ample exercise both physically and mentally.? If you are unable to provide these basic fundamental tenets to your pet, you may want to rethink being a pet guardian.

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About the Author:

Fun Paw Care is the best in Miami dog training and dog training South Florida. We offer dog training in Miami & South Florida for puppies as well as mature dogs.

Source: http://www.informationgateway.org/cat-dog-overweight/

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