Pet Obesity
Pet Obesity
 
Because a little weight is a big problem.

Overweight DogAn estimated 45 percent of all U.S. pets are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. While the best treatment is prevention, it’s never too late to help your pet stay in better shape. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and cats. It’s more common with advancing age and in females. Obese animals—those with a 15 percent increase over optimum body weight— have much higher incidence of arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and impaired reproductive ability and greater risks with surgery and anesthesia. Most research in both people and animals suggests that increased weight shortens life.

How do I know whether my pet is overweight?

If you’re unsure what your pet’s optimum weight should be, perform this simple test:

  • Place your hands on your pet’s rib cage with your thumbs on the back.

  • If you feel the ribs easily, your pet is considered to be normal weight.

  • If you can feel fat between the skin and ribs or the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet is overweight.

  • If you can’t feel the ribs, your pet is definitely obese.

In some pets, particularly cats, a large abdomen that hangs down may indicate obesity. It’s important to have this judgment confirmed by your veterinarian; he or she can rule out other diseases that look like obesity such as heart, kidney, or glandular disease.

Ideal pet weight ranges 

Labrador retriever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 to 80 pounds
Golden retriever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 to 75 pounds
Yorkshire terrier . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pounds
German shepherd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 to 95 pounds
Beagle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 to 31 pounds
Dachshund.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 16 pounds
Boxer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 to 70 pounds
Poodles (miniature). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 11 pounds
Shih tzu.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 to 18 pounds
Miniature schnauzer.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 to 15 pounds
Domestic cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 8 to 10 pounds
Persian cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .10 to 11 pounds
Siamese cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 5 to 10 pounds
Maine coon cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 to 15 pounds

Daily caloric needs for pets*

10-pound cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 calories
10-pound dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 calories
20-pound dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 calories
50-pound dog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,200 calories

* Caloric needs my change based on the pet’s age and activity level.

How can I help my pet lose weight?

Obesity Food
If your animal is overweight, there are usually painless methods for losing those unhealthy pounds. With careful dietary management and oversight by your veterinarian, changes in diet and lifestyle can lead to a much more productive life. There are prescription diet formulations available from your veterinarian that can make your pet’s weight loss easy for you and your pet. Routine walks and playtime combined with sensible feedings can avert the need for medical intervention. As your pet ages, we recommend changing to a low-fat, high-fiber senior maintenance diet.

Five steps to become a healthier dog:
  • Watch what he eats.
  • Track your dog’s weight.
  • Maintain a healthy activity level.
  • Visit your veterinarian often.
  • Maintain an ideal weight for life.

Your pet is a healthy weight if ...
  • You can easily feel its ribs.
  • It has a tucked abdomen and no sagging stomach.
  • You can see its waist from above.

Your pet is overweight if ...
  • You have difficulty feeling its ribs.
  • It has a sagging stomach, and you can grab a handful of fat.
  • It has a broad, flat back and no visible waist.

Causes Of Obesity:

1. OVEREATING!! (90% of all cases)
2. Lack of exercise.
3. Lowered metabolism.
4. Emotional trauma.
5. Hormonal imbalances.

Obesity Treatment:

We are interested in all phases of disease prevention, and will work closely with you to reduce your pet's weight. This may require you to make several changes to your lifestyle.

 SUCCESS DEPENDS ON TOTAL COOPERATION!!Carrot Dog

1. Decrease food intake 40% - this means feed about 1/2 the normal amount fed.
2. Spread the total daily ration throughout the day. Several small feedings are recommended instead of one or two larger meals.
3. Snacks must not be given! One daily Pet Tab Vitamin is all that is permissible. The pet does not really care about the snack, but rather the attention it gets.
4. Keep the pet out of the kitchen/dining area at meal times.
5. Feed only the prescription diet your pet’s veterinarian recommends.
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