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We hear a lot about human obesity, but what about pet obesity? For me it’s a lot simpler to keep my dog in shape by not feeding her too much than to keep myself in shape and ignore that extra slice of cake.
Pet obesity, however, is on the rise in America. MSNBC has the details on a 2009 veterinarian survey revealing that 45% of dogs and 58% of cats nationwide are overweight. I’m definitely surprised by these numbers; I expected lower for dogs. I think it’s easier to make sure my dog gets enough exercise than figuring out how to do the same for my indoor cat.
Thankfully, MSNBC has some tips to keep the pounds off your pets. First it suggests really paying attention to what you feed your pets. I’ve covered this before, but veterinarian Ernie Ward has some additional information. The portion recommendations on pet food packaging can be misleading, because nowadays companies pack the food with fillers like wheat, corn, and soy – basically, empty calories for your pet.
If you’re concerned for your pet’s weight, buy food that lists a meat product as its primary ingredient. That higher protein diet will help keep down your pet’s weight. In addition, cut back on the amount of treats, or change the type of treats, you feed your pet. Many of the treats made for pets yet again contain many filler carbs and sugars.
If you’re not feeding your pets many treats and/or if your pet’s weight isn’t a concern, then you don’t have to worry much about the type of treats you give your pet. If, however, your pet needs to lose some weight, stop giving it treats packaged as such. Instead, use individual bits of its normal food, or give it healthy snacks like raw carrots and broccoli.
But you also need to make sure your pet gets enough exercise. Often when we have fenced-in yards it’s easy to get lazy, just letting the pet out to run around in the yard for its exercise. However, dogs need more than that. They need at least two proper walks on the leash each day.
To make that exercise more beneficial for both you and your dog, here are some tips. 1) Make each walk at least 15-20 minutes. 2) Keep pace with your dog; your dog will likely want to trot along at a faster pace, so take some cues from it and do so. You and your pet will burn more calories that way than if you just take a leisurely stroll. 3) Try to keep your dog behind you; don’t let it pull ahead on the leash. It takes more effort, and thus more energy, for dogs to stay in pace or behind you. They need to concentrate more to do so, and thus get a better workout.
If the weather is bad but you still need to keep your dog on a regular exercise routine, you now have options for doing so. You can purchase dog-sized treadmills and hamster-wheel-style contraptions that allow your pet to get the exercise it needs indoors.
Unfortunately, as I suspected, there are just not as many tips for what to do with overweight cats. Sure, there are similar devices as listed above for cats as well as for dogs, but I can’t imagine cats cooperating as well on them as dogs might. I think the trick is to put in the effort to play with your cat.
You’ll need to vary the toys you use, as cats will eventually become bored with a single toy. It’s more effort, but if your cat is facing health problems due to its weight, it’s one of the best ways to help them get enough exercise.
Related Articles:
Plump Pets and Pet Health Insurance Study About Pet Obesity
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