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Pet Article
OBESITY IN CATS AND DOGS
There are many diseases caused by obesity in cats and dogs, but more often or not medical
problems are made worse by obesity. Cats and dogs can get diabetes, but the disease is more
difficult to manage in obese pets because the additional body fat interferes with insulin
effectiveness. Problems such as torn ligaments are more common in obese pets, both becauseof
their disproportionate size and because they often don't have the muscle tone to balance and
support the extra weight. Arthritis is not caused by obesity but maybe worsened by the extra
load on the arthritic joints.
Just about every organ in the body maybe affected by obesity, but most at risk are the
musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Obesity also compromises the
effectiveness of a proper physical exam. Heart and lung sounds can be masked by body fat.
The consistency and size of abdominal organs are difficult to feel through intervening fat,
This may prevent the veterinarian from finding early indicators of disease and delay diagnosis
until the disease has reached the advanced stage.
There are also diseases, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, that are associated with
weight gain. There are also hormonal influences, genetic influences, and individual variation
in metabolism and appetite, but unfortunately the most frequent cause of obesity in pets is
owner indulgence of treats and/or oversized portions of pet food. Pet owners don't realize
that they can kill their pets with kindness.
Excess weight is easier to prevent than to lose. The more weight there is to carry around,
the more inactive a pet becomes, and the harder it is to exercise and reduce weight. Visits
to your veterinarian for your pet's cycle of puppy or kitten shots should include weight
monitoring. Then adjustments in diet and exercise can be made early and problems with
obesity avoided.
If prevention is a missed opportunity, then the first step toward weight reduction and
improved health is a visit with your veterinarian. Metabolic problems contributing to weight
gain should be corrected before changing your pet's diet or routine. Your veterinarian will
also know the ideal weight for your pet and can provide a healthful diet and exercise plan.
Well defined goals and regular weight checks are the recipe for successful weight loss.
Pets are best exercised by playing with them. Take the dog for walks. Play fetch. Give the
cat chase toys. If your cat follows you up and down stairs, then walk up and down stairs,
tour the house, everyday; don't stop until the cat stops. If an owner is unwilling to exercise,
then the pet won't get any exercise.
Calories in a pet's diet can be reduced by feeding a lower calorie diet or smaller portions of
your pet's regular diet. Your pet will tell you whether higher volume or concentrated
calories are preferred. However, owners should realize that low cal diets often have more
fiber and may increase the quantity of feces produced. Dogs may not be able to hold it all
day like they could with their lower fiber diet. Cats are finicky eaters and often refuse diet
food. Owners of cats should be careful not to let their cat starve or lose weight too fast.
Your pet's health is your responsibility. Pets don't choose what or how much to eat. Pet
owners dictate the animal's diet and how much they get. People food, table scraps, and fast food
take out should not be options. There are dietary treats that are good for pets that will also
satisfy the owner's need to indulge the pet.
For more information on obesity in pets, contact your local veterinarian.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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