October 9th is Pet Obesity Awareness Month. Of course, telling your pet that they could lose a few pounds isn’t really the point here. It’s up to you to keep your furry pal at a healthy weight! A local Frisco, TX vet discusses pet obesity below.
Dangers
We know, chubby animals are cute. Unfortunately, those extra pounds can wreak havoc on your pet’s heath! If Fido and Fluffy become obese, they’ll be at higher risk of developing some very serious health issues, such as heart disease, liver and kidney problems, skin trouble, bone and joint issues, and respiratory problems, just to name a few.
Is Your Pet Obese?
In some cases, it’s obvious when a dog or cat is overweight. If your four-legged friend has thin fur, but is getting, well, round, you probably have a pudgy pet on your hands. With fluffier animals, it can be a bit trickier to sort out. Of course, your vet should be the judge here. However, there is a test you can try at home. Try feeling your pet’s ribs. If you can’t feel them at all, or can barely feel them beneath a layer of fat, your furry friend may be a bit of a butterball.
Diet
As one may expect, nutrition plays a huge role in pet obesity. Portion control is very important. Just giving your dog or cat ten calories too many each day can cause them to pack on an extra pound every year. That may not be much for people, but it’s a lot for Fido and Fluffy! Also, feed your pet a high-quality, nourishing food. Many cheaper brands are packed with fattening, carb-heavy fillers.
Exercise
A good workout is just as important for pets as it is for people. Fido will need at least a daily walk. If you have a cat, keep her active by playing with her regularly, and setting out things for her to climb and explore, like cat towers and pet tents.
Losing Weight
Do you know or suspect that your pet is becoming obese? Ask your vet to recommend a specific diet plan. Never put Fido or Fluffy on a crash diet. This is very bad for their metabolism, and could make your furry friend very sick!
Please contact us, your Frisco, TX vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
