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Pudgy Pooches Have Increased Risk Of Health Problems

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When those beautiful and hopeful eyes beam up at you while you are eating dinner it can be extremely difficult to resist giving your pet a table scrap or two. Unfortunately, these “table scrap” treats can add up to obesity which can be a major health threat to your pet.

Obesity is fast becoming the number one health problem of domestic animals in this country, with one in four pets fitting the profile of overweight or obese. Unfortunately, most pet owners don’t fully understand the devastating toll that obesity can take on their furry friends.

A pet is considered to be overweight if it is 10%-20% above its ideal weight and is considered obese if it is greater than 20% above ideal. Certain breeds and species seem more susceptible to obesity.In dogs, Labradors have a tendency to gain weight, as do cocker spaniels and beagles. Less-active cats such as Persians are also prone to weight gain. The tendency to become obese is greater as pets get older and become less active.

The serious health problems associated with pet obesity are similar to those of their human counterparts and include:

• Gastrointestinal distress. Obese pets are more likely to become constipated and flatulent. They are also more prone to stomach ulcers, which can be very serious, especially in dogs.
• Higher cancer rates: Pets who are overweight are more susceptible to cancer. In fact, the incidence of cancer is 50 percent higher in dogs that are overweight than in dogs of optimum weight.
• Diabetes: Overweight pets have a significantly increased risk of diabetes.
• Hypertension: The incidence of high blood pressure (hypertension) is much higher in obese pets. Hypertension increases the risk of kidney, heart and vascular diseases.
• Orthopedic Problems: Obese pets have an increased incidence of arthritis (degenerative joint disease), spinal disc problems, and torn knee ligaments. Their quality of life is often compromised because they can’t get around as well as pets of normal weight.
• Skin problems: Overweight pets are 40 per cent more likely to develop skin problems than pets of normal weight.
• Mood Swings: Because of the insulating properties of fat, overweight pets are less able to endure hot weather, and may become irritable or depressed.

Preventing weight gain in pets can be every bit as challenging as preventing weight gain in humans. An even bigger challenge is trying to get your pet back to a healthy weight once it has become obese.

Here are some measures that may help:

• No matter how hard they beg, you should never give your dog or cat table scraps.
• Limit the number of pet treats that you give your dog. One of the great joys of life is watching the excitement on your dog’s face when you pull out the box of treats. It’s fine to share an occasional treat, but don’t overdo it.
• Increase your pet’s activity level. Take your dog for longer walks or play “fetch” several times a day. If you have an indoor cat, carve out some “play time” that you can spend with him or her every day. Cats also love toys, especially when they contain catnip.
• Consider switching to a low-calorie pet food. These products are typically lower in fat and higher in fiber. This allows the owner to continue to serve a nice-sized portion while reducing the number of calories the pet actually receives.

Because pets play such a vital role in our physical and mental health, it is important that we take care of them. Increasing activity and limiting calorie intake can add years to the life of your beloved pet.