host posted on May 17, 2011 14:33
Is your pet overweight? Overfeeding, unlimited access to food, and lack of exercise are all reasons why nearly 35% of pets in the U.S. are overweight. It’s not always easy to recognize that a pet is overweight, but it’s important to acknowledge obesity when identified because excess weight is a wellness issue and a risk factor for disease. It’s so important for the health of your pet that the Alliance for Healthier Pets — Obesity Awareness and Prevention Program has been formed to help pet owners and veterinary health care teams tackle this often difficult issue.
What’s the harm of a little extra weight?
A couple extra pounds may not seem like a big deal for your pet, but consider what those extra pounds translate to in terms of human weights. For example, 3 extra pounds on a 10-pound cat are equivalent to an extra 38 pounds on a 125-pound woman. An extra 5 pounds on a 30-pound dog are equivalent to an extra 21 pounds on a 125-pound woman. Extra weight can lead to serious health risks such as heart disease and high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, skin problems, and even shortened life expectancy — all of which are preventable.
Be sure your veterinarian measures your pet’s weight and records it for comparison from visit to visit. If your pet is overweight, you can do something about it! Ask your veterinarian which food is best for your pet’s current health needs. You can help your pet maintain a healthy body weight and prevent serious disease by providing proper nutrition, increased physical activity, and regular veterinary wellness visits. To learn more and to customize your pet’s fitness program, visit PetFit.com.
REFERENCES
1. Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult dogs from private United States veterinary practices. Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, et al. Intl J Appl Res Vet Med 4:177-186, 2006.
2. Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult cats from United States private veterinary practices. Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, et al. Intl J Appl Res Vet Med 2:88-96, 2005.
Sponsored by an educational grant from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.