|
Q: Why is my pet's weight so important?
Research has shown that around 50% of dogs and cats are overweight
to some degree. An
overweight or obese pet is at increased risk from a
whole range of
clinical problems including diabetes mellitus, heart
disease, skin complaints,
breathing difficulties, arthritis and joint problems.
Weight gain in pets is normally the result of an increase in
body fats. This
is most commonly
caused by a pet eating too much, especially when
combined with a lack
of exercise. If more energy is being gained from food
than is being used, the surplus will be stored in the body
as fat. Just like
people, dogs and cats
have an ideal weight not only reduces
these risks,
but can lead to your pet having a more energetic, longer and
healthier life.
There are some
factors that can contribute to weight gain, these include:
TOO MUCH FOOD
Overfeeding your pet through inadequate portion control and
giving high
calorie tidbits.
MEDICAL HISTORY
Occasionally weight gain is associated with a medical
disorder that may
require corrective treatment.
NEUTERING / SPAYING
Pets that have been neutered or spayed have a higher risk of
weight gain
because of their altered metabolism.
AGE
Older pets are often less active and , if so, requires fewer
calories.
BREED
Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Cairn Terriers,
Cocker and
King Charles Spaniels and mixed breed cats, are predisposed to
weight gain.
LIMITED EXERCISE
Pets that are relatively inactive may be using less energy
than they are gaining
from their food.
Recognizing the
signs of a weight problem.
One or more of these signs may indicate that your pet maybe
overweight.
- Ribs
can't be felt
- Loss of
an obvious waist
- Difficulty
in walking
- Slow to
move
- Short of
breath
- Bad-tempered
- Sleeps a
lot
IMPORTANT:
Even if your pet does not
show any of these signs, it may still be
overweight and this could affect its health in the future. If you are
in doubt,
ask your veterinarian to assess your pet's weigh
- Feline Obesity: A Guide for Pet Owners.
- Improving Chances for Successful Weight Loss: The Owner-Pet Partnership.
|
Weight Management-Dogs & Cats 
