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Every
year Americans are getting heavier, not surprisingly so
are our pets. The latest research indicates that half of
all pets are overweight or obese. This closely mirrors
the obesity epidemic in the human population.
This may
explain why pet owners that were surveyed about pet body
types (ideal, overweight, obese) thought their pets were
at an ideal weight, even when they were obese.
Certain
breeds of dogs have a disproportionately high incidence
of obesity, indicating that genetics may be a
contributing factor. Labrador retrievers, cocker
spaniels, beagles, dachshunds, basset hounds, and pugs
are more likely to be overweight or obese.
It is
difficult to find predilections for obesity in a
specific cat breed, but some surveys show that Persians
are more prone to being overweight.
The
bottom line is that our pets are becoming overweight for
the same reasons we are: too much food and too little
exercise.
Overweight
pets are prone to a variety of health problems including
diabetes, musculoskeletal problems (joint, ligament and
tendon injuries), compromised immune function,
cardiovascular disease, heat and exercise intolerance
and pancreatitis. Obese dogs and cats are at a greater
risk of anesthetic and surgical complications. Obese
cats can suffer from skin problems, because they are
unable to groom themselves properly.
To
determine if your pet is overweight use these simple
guidelines: you should feel the ribs, but not see them.
Behind the last rib your pet should narrow some before
widening a little at the hips. There should be a small
tuck-in at the stomach. If your pet does not fit these
guidelines he/she may be a little overweight. Start with
a trip to your veterinarian for recommendations and to
rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once your
pet has received a clean bill of health you can
institute life style changes to enhance weight loss and
improve overall health.
Your
veterinarian's recommendations will probably include
daily exercise (a walk or a game of fetch), a diet
change (a reduced calorie food), portion control (use a
measuring cup and feed the exact amount recommended by
your veterinarian), split portions (your pet may feel
more satiated if you split the daily allotment into two
equal portions), and feeding healthy treats (green
beans, baby carrots and apple slices).
Once you
and your veterinarian have decided on life style changes
be sure and stick to the program. Your pet did not gain
the weight over night and should not be expected to lose
it over night. You will probably find the program easier
than you think, and your pet's life will be happier and
longer because of your efforts.
———
(Dr.
Chris Rainey
, a veterinarian at
Animal Hospital of Orange Grove, Miss.
, encourages questions for this column. Write to
South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association
,
20005 Pineville Road
,
Long Beach, MS
39560 and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.)
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