Help for Pets Battling the Bulge

by Maria Patron

We love our pets. They offer us unconditional love and affection and they are important additions to our families. Because we love them so much, we want to spoil them with things like toys and special treats.

Many times we express our love for our pets by handing them unlimited pet treats and I'm sure most of us are guilty of substituting a treat in place of a walk that we may not have time for.

Unfortunately, this behavior can sometimes lead to our dogs, cats or even birds, becoming overweight.

Simply put, pets are getting larger for the same reason people are; too much food and not enough exercise. Obesity in pets causes a lot of the same problems it does in people and it can also shorten their lifespan. An overweight pet is prone to a host of related problems, including diabetes, joint, ligament and tendon problems, breathing and heart problems, pancreatic disorders, liver disease and more.

Overweight cats can even develop skin problems from not being able to groom themselves properly. Overall, fat pets face lives that are often uncomfortable and shorter, just as fat people do.

Recent studies show that one out of every four pets in the United States is obese. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends consulting a veterinarian to determine if a pet is overweight and what steps to take to return your pudgy pet to a healthy weight.

Weight loss methods that work in humans also apply to pets. Controlling caloric intake and making sure your pet gets the right amount of exercise is the best way to help keep a healthy weight.

To determine if your pet is overweight, take a look from the side. If your pet looks pregnant, he/she is fat. From above, a bump out from the middle into an apple shape equals the same news... your pet is fat. Run your hand along your pet's side. If you can't feel the ribs, it's time to start a weight reduction program. If your pet does not have a waist, that is another indication that it's time to start a weight reduction program. Remember, it's not just dogs and cats that are in trouble; birds can be obese too, developing a thicker breast and even rolls of fat.

The good news is that it's not that difficult to trim down pets. After all, they can't open the refrigerator on their own, nor can they grab the car keys for a fast-food run or phone out for pizza. What pets eat is wholly dependent on what we give them. And although we might shudder at the thought of exercise, our pets are always up for a brisk walk, a game of fetch or some play with a toy on a string. They love to move, especially if we're moving with them.

Now, what to do if your pet is overweight... keep in mind that crash diets aren't good for pets, especially not for cats, who can develop a fatal liver problem if forced to reduce too quickly. A pet doesn't get fat overnight, and he shouldn't be forced to change course any more rapidly. What you'll need to do is change your pet's eating and exercise habits gradually.

The best place to start is with a trip to your veterinarian. You'll want to make sure your pet doesn't have any problems that might make any lifestyle changes difficult. Your vet can also suggest a food plan that might help.

Set aside some time out of your schedule to walk your dog or play with your cat three times a week at the least. If you don't have the time, hire a professional dog walker or pet sitter to exercise your pet for you. Be sure to work in some aerobic exercise, anything that gets a cat or dog running. Birds can benefit from a curled-rope perch; they have to work to stay on it, decreasing boredom and increasing calorie burn.

Get out of the habit of expressing your love for your pets by handing them treats. Keep the treat volume to a minimum and switch to a reduced-calorie treat. Even better, substitute mini rice cakes and carrot sticks for the occasional dog treat. Dogs like them just fine, and they're not going to sabotage any weight-loss efforts.

It may be hard in the beginning, with those big, baleful, begging eyes on you, but keep in mind that your pet's life will be happier and longer if he/she's in the best of health.

Copyright ©2005 Custom Critter Care.
All rights reserved.