Pet Obesity - What Can We Do?

If you are like most loving pet parents, your dog or cat is usually at your side while you are enjoying a delicious meal. How many times have you given in to their persistent begging? You have probably convinced yourself, that their dog or cat food is tasteless and boring to eat every single day. So, why not give them a little taste of REAL food?

Well here is something to think about the next time you share your meal with your cat or dog. Overweight and obese cats and dogs are on the increase. In North America approximately 25 % of cats are overweight, while dog obesity is close to 40 %. Who is to blame? We are! We love our pets so much we think it is OK to keep feeding them. It's OK because our parents use to feed their pets at the table and their pets lived a long life. Or maybe we think a few pieces of food won't hurt them. But, a few pieces of food at every meal can add up over the course of a day. We have to realize the consequences for our actions when it comes to over feeding our pets.

As responsible pet parents, we need to stop killing our pets with kindness. The first step is to learn how to recognize if your dog or cat is overweight. The next step is to understand the health risks. And lastly, find out what we can do to help our companion animal live a longer, leaner, healthier life.

Typical Overweight Signs:

o Ribs and backbone not easily felt under a heavy fat covering

o Abdomen is rounded and waist is barely visible or absent

o Pets flank folds sway from side to side when walking

Health Risks:

o Diabetic milletus

o Joint pain, arthritis

o Cardiovascular disease

o Slow metabolic rate

o Kidney problems

o Cancer

o Low energy

o Shorten life expectancy

What Can We Do?

o Life style change - (cut down on treats, NO pets at the table)

o Exercise your dog at least 20-30 minutes a day

o Encourage your cat to play. Interactive cat toys stimulates activity

o NO Table Scraps

o Consult with Veterinarian and/or pet stores about alternative pet foods

o Feed them smaller portions more frequently throughout the day (2-3 times)

o Make sure everyone is co-operating with exercise and food intake

o Have your veterinarian access your pet to rule out a thyroid problem.

If you think your pet is overweight, take them to your veterinarian and have them confirm whether your pet is overweight or not. Your vet will likely discuss safe and effective weight control options with you. Remember, if left untreated, obesity can be deadly.

It's OK to love our pets, but we don't need to show our love with food. Our pets rely on us for their well being. Only we can help our pets live a longer, leaner and more enjoyable life.

Wayne Tuttle is a writer, motivational speaker and co-owner of Two Tuttle's Four Paws. To learn more about Wayne or to find useful information and unusual pet products visit http://www.TwoTuttlesFourPaws.com

Obesity Is Killing Pets - Here's How to Stop It

The weight of humans is publicised across the media but the weight of your pets seems to be almost disregarded. If you, as a person are concerned and conscious about your weight then you should put the effort in for your pets as well. There has been a recent up rise of pet obesity across the UK and USA and it is extremely damaging to their health and could potentially end in fatality.

In the past year, researchers have found that the rate of pets being overweight has remained the same yet the rate of obese pets has rapidly increased. It has been said that 53 per cent of adult dogs and 55 per cent of cats are now classed as being overweight and almost half of that percentage are obese.

These horrifying statistics show that pet owners are not caring for their pets properly and they over-feed them and have a lack of exercise. It is almost as important that pets are healthy as it is humans and they need caring for correctly in order to survive and be happy. A lot of owners admit to over-feeding their pets with food and treats but many of them do not think there is anything they can do about these growing statistics.

Pet owners are being held completely responsible for this exponential up rise as they are completely accountable for the amount that their friendly companions eat. From this, pet owners are the only people who can help put a stop to the up rise of overweight and obese animals.

How Can I Improve My Pet's Health?

Different pets have alternative requirements for a healthy diet but whether you have a cat, dog, hamster, rabbit or bird they all have a particular healthy diet similar to humans. Most pets cannot survive on a human diet and this goes for cats in comparison to dogs etc. As cats and dogs are the most popular pets to keep these are the main focus at the moment.

Dog Nutrition

Dogs need a balanced diet of meat, cereals and vegetables a lot like us humans - but do not be deceived as a complete human diet is unhealthy for dogs. Dogs are classed as omnivores but they do not need any necessary carbohydrates in their body. Also, be sure to supply your dogs with clean water at all times. 'Wet foods' need to be served at room temperature and given once or twice a day in comparison to dry foods/breakfast cereals which need to be given in small portions and the directions on the packaging should be followed. Chocolate should never be fed to a dog, as much as 3oz of cooking chocolate can kill a medium-sized dog.

Cat Nutrition

Unlike other animals, cats cannot live on a vegetarian diet as they need a lot of protein in order to stay healthy. Cats need protein, fats & oils, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates to stay happy and healthy - they also need plenty of fresh water as they can become seriously ill after not having water for a few hours. Kittens need to be fed small meals several times a day and need to eat more than adult cats whereas adult cats need to be fed differently. Adult male cats need 250 to 300 calories a day and adult female cats need around 200 to 300 calories a day. An average cup of dry food contains 400 calories and an average cup of wet food contains 150 calories. Depending on your cats eating habits will essentially depend on how much you feed them.

Animal and pet obesity is a huge issue and it needs resolving as soon as possible so do not hesitate to join in on the nutritional way to feed pets!

Jade Jennison is an enthusiastic writer in the subject matter of pets and their well-being and aims to provide information to people who share the same interests as her own. The websites recommended by Jade have been thoroughly researched and come highly acclaimed from direct experience. Take a look at Snack and Tack for a vast array of healthy food for every one of your pets.

Pet Obesity - Questions and Answers

Obesity is becoming more and more common among pets in America today. It can be due to a number of reasons, however; in most cases pet obesity can be prevented by owners. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions about pet obesity and tips on how to keep your pet healthy.

1) Can pets be overweight?

This answer is definitely YES! Approximately 30 to 40 percent of all pets in the U.S. are overweight, making pet obesity one of the most common conditions afflicting companion animals in American homes.

2) Is it really unhealthy for my pet to be overweight?

Yes it is. An unhealthy weight can cause some of the same problems in animals as it does in humans including respiratory problems, diabetes, heart disease and an all over shorter life span. Since pets generally weigh much less than people, weight gain of just a pound or two can make a big difference in their overall health. That is why it's so important to watch your pet's diet and activity level.

3) Is my pet overweight?

The best way to find the answer to this question is by checking with your veterinarian. If you pet is overweight, the vet can discover if there is an underlying reason causes your pet to gain weight, and then give you tips on proper weight loss. Your vet can also recommend a diet plan and exercise routine. To monitor your pet's weight at home, feel his ribs. If you can feel them fairly easily, your pet is probably not overweight. However, if you have to press harder to feel the ribs, he is probably overweight. It is also important to know that every pet breed has a different ideal weight range. Check with your veterinarian to find out what your pet's ideal weight is.

4) What is an appropriate diet for my pet?

Just like with humans, the best way to minimize unhealthy weight gain is to control your pet's caloric intake and make sure he gets the right amount of exercise. Controlling calories can be done by giving your pet less food, and providing dry food instead of wet canned food. Feed your pet one to two times per day, don't allow all day buffet style eating... some pets truly can't control themselves and will graze all day if allowed to. If your dog likes to beg, avoid feeding him from the table, however, you can feed him low-calorie snacks, including apples, oranges, carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Remember not to overfeed him any of these snacks as animals can't digest them as easily as humans. Try to avoid feeding your pet excessive treats because they are high-calorie and can contribute to weight gain.

Remember, the best way to get all your questions about pet obesity answered is by talking to a veterinarian. Your vet can come up with specific tips that are tailored to your pet's life and health. Keep in mind, the key to controlling weight is by controlling calories and providing opportunities for exercise. If you think your pet suffers from pet obesity... chat with your vet, you'll be glad you did.

We love pets! Probioticsmart.com knows your pet deserves the very best care possible, and we're here to help. Visit our blog for more information, tips and stories on all things pet health and our site for all the pet supplements you need to help keep your pet happy and healthy!

Obesity In Pets

Obesity is an increasing problem for pets and owners alike with many pets being heavier than they should be which will shorten their lifespan and predispose them to many other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, liver disease, breathing difficulties, heat intolerance and digestive upsets. The extra weight will significantly increase any risks associated with anaesthetics or sedations and will cause your pet to require a larger dose of medication e.g. pain relief if they develop arthritis. Most medications are given based on weight so a heavier pet means treatment is more expensive as more tablets are required. This extra medication also needs to be processed by the liver and kidneys which should belong to a lighter dog so extra work is required to break down and remove waste products.

What is the correct weight for my pet?

There is a great variation in body type between breeds just as there is in people. A general rule to assessing whether a pet is overweight is how easily you can feel their ribs. You should just be able to feel the ribs without pressing too hard and not be able to see them. If you are having to press firmly then your pet is overweight, if you cannot feel their ribs at all then it is likely they are clinically obese and veterinary help should be sought immediately.

What should I feed my pet?

Most commercial pet foods are carefully researched and formulated to provide a balanced diet. You should look at the range on offer to decide which is most suitable for your pets health and lifestyle. We can give advice on a case by case basis via e-mail or alternatively contact your local veterinary practice or pet shop.

Many types of pet food will vary in the types of ingredients and the quality of the ingredients used and this will usually be reflected in the price. However some premium foods do not require as much to be fed so may not be as expensive as they seem on first impressions. It is usually the amount of food consumed rather than the type which leads to obesity. If more calories are being taken in than are used up these must be stored as fat. If your pet is overweight it is important to find out why as this can help with losing weight. The following points may help:

Are they neutered? This reduces the need for energy for reproductive reasons and may require an adjustment to their feeding regime post surgery.



How much are they fed? Is this a similar amount to the feeding guide on the food or is it more than recommended?



How much exercise do they receive and has this decreased recently?



How many people take responsibility for feed times?



What extras do they receive?



Has the food bowl been changed recently?

Where do I start?

Your veterinary practice will be prepared to advise you on a suitable weight loss regime and most offer free weight clinics with specially trained nurses. Some people feel embarrassed or find it difficult to ask for this kind of help just as some veterinary professionals find it a difficult subject to broach as people can take comments personally. People who are willing to put in the hard work usually receive the level of support they need it is those that ignore or are not willing to accept that obesity is a life threatening problem that frustrate those who are trying to help them.

Start by measuring out the amount of food your pet should be getting based on the feeding guide from the pet food packet. This is a guideline as some pets will require more and some less than the recommended amount to keep them at optimal body condition. If it is a dry food this can be marked on a cup or mug and represents their daily ration including treats and extras. If your pet is overweight then their intake of calories needs to be reduced to encourage the body to use fat reserves. Extreme care should be taken in just cutting down the amount you offer as you are also reducing the amount of vitamins and minerals they receive. If these drop below a critical point then there is a risk of nutritional deficiencies. The most successful and safest method of weight loss usually involves a calorie controlled prescription diet and exercise programme. Alternatively you could make gradual changes to the diet you already offer.

Begin by cutting out all extras and treats and weighing out the correct amount of food for your pets size. If you want to give a treat take it out of their daily food ration. It is the act of giving and attention received that is often more important than the treat itself.



Divide their ration into several small meals rather than 1 large meal.




Gradually increase exercise depending on the health of the pet and the degree of obesity. This can include making them find their food or having to extract it from a food dispensing toy. Swimming is good low impact exercise for arthritic animals and there are an increasing number of hydrotherapy centres available. Always stop if your pet appears distressed. Consult your vet for an exercise regime in cases of heart or lung disease.



Cats may need to be kept indoors initially to prevent them obtaining food from other sources such as neighbours or hunting themselves!



Reweigh every 2 weeks initially to make sure they are losing weight and this weight loss is not too rapid. Consult your veterinary nurse for advice.



Remember they are much smaller than you and a decrease of 100g in a 5kg Cat or Yorkshire terrier represents losing 2% of their body weight. This is the same as a 40kg Labrador losing 800g (1lb 12oz). This would be a safe amount to lose over the course of 2 weeks.



It may be possible to reduce your pets food intake by up to 15% but extreme care should be taken in doing this as nutritional deficiencies may result. Your veterinary nurse should be consulted for advice for reducing your pets daily ration.



Calorie controlled prescription diets should be considered for those pets who do not lose weight through controlling their current diet and gradually increasing exercise.



Remember to use the same scales and make a record of the weight so that the rate of weight loss can be seen.

This advice cannot compare to the individual weight loss programme formulated by a qualified veterinary nurse. It is strongly advised that you keep in contact with your veterinary practice whilst conducting a weight reduction programme.