Here’s a great resolution for you to make on behalf of your companion animals. Resolve to prevent all possible damage to their health and do what you can to keep them healthy and happy in 2016 and beyond. Today, we'll talk about obesity and take up other preventative topics in the month ahead.
Did you know that when surveyed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than one-third of veterinarians reported that 41% to 60% of their time was spent treating preventable health issues?
(Photo courtesy of the AVMA)
Prevent Obesity
According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), “57.9% of cats and 52.7% of dogs are overweight or obese.” Since you have complete control over the amount of food and exercise your dog or cat receives, you can prevent or reduce the risks associated with obesity.
What are those risks? The APOP lists: osteoarthritis, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury, kidney disease, many forms of cancer, and sadly a decreased life expectancy of up to 2.5 years.
Your veterinarian can help you set an ideal weight for your pet and guidelines for an appropriate exercise program to help with weight loss. The APOP offers a collection of tools and tips.
To start, calculate how much food (including treats and chews) your dog or cat has been consuming on a daily basis. Review this with your vet and set a new goal. Measure out the daily food and treats you will offer under the weight loss plan. Be sure none of the people around your pet is sabotaging your efforts by sneaking extra calories to the dog or cat.
Exercise is the second half of the healthy pet equation. Daily walks for dogs or play sessions for cats can be increased in time and intensity. Your critter not only will lose weight and build muscle but also will enjoy the mental stimulation.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon
Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: (Photo courtesy of the AVMA)