Over 56% of pets are overweight or obese - a shocking fact, because the overweight body condition of our pets seems normal to us as they gradually grow in size and we might not sense it.
With so many pets being overweight, our pets seem normal even if they are not!
However, obesity is a precursor to various health issues including diabetes, joint ailments, and reduced lifespan, just like in human beings.
Pet obesity often stems from overfeeding and a sedentary lifestyle: We want our beloved pets to have the highest quality of life and give them excessive treats or table scraps. Having our pets at home all day also means that they don’t get much time to run around and play, resulting in much more calories being consumed than spent, and over time… obesity.
We can improve health and weight outcomes for our pets in three simple steps:
Your preferred veterinarians can help to assess your pet’s BCS on a 9-point scale, establishing realistic weight loss objectives tailored to their unique physiology.
💡 Only dogs of an ideal or near-ideal weight class can be blood donors! Generally, a dog needs to be simultaneously not overweight and also at least 20kg to be an eligible blood donor.
There are a few strategies we can employ to holistically manage our pets’ diets but they boil down fundamentally to reducing caloric intake in a sustainable manner while maintaining balanced nutrition. We can do this by:
The above, in combination with a gradual and slow reduction in their food intake, will help our beloved pets lose weight sustainably and reduce the changes of diseases such as diabetes.
Apart from reducing caloric intake, we must also be mindful of our pets’ lifestyle - sedentary lifestyles (and low caloric expenditure) are also a cause of obesity. By fostering an active lifestyle, we can help our pets spend as much energy as they consume and lead healthier lives. Ways we can do that include:
By consistently engaging with our pets in physical exercise, we strengthen our bond with them and reinforce positive behavioural patterns conducive to long-term fitness. These incremental increases in physical activity promote gradual weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, and alleviate joint strain associated with excess body weight.
Apart from managing what pets eat and do at home, regular engagement with your preferred veterinarians to monitor progress, adjust weight loss strategies, and address any underlying health contributions contributing to obesity is important. Regular veterinary check-ups enable early detection of obesity-related complications, facilitating timely interventions and optimizing treatment outcomes. Professional vets’ guidance and support empower us to make informed decisions regarding diet, exercise, and overall wellness for our beloved pets.
After putting in all that effort to track, plan, and help our pets lose weight, the last thing we want is for them to put it all back on again. Regular scheduled weigh-ins with our vets and diligent continual adherence to weight / fitness protocols ensure sustained progress and long-term health success.
By prioritizing pet weight management and embracing a multifaceted approach to wellness, we can safeguard our pet's health, vitality, and longevity, nurturing a fulfilling bond grounded in mutual care and well-being.
References:
Travis Ling
