Highland Pet – Shed Some Lbs. for New Year’s Resolution? Your Pet Should Too! – Pet Obesity

Year after year, diet and exercise rank at the top of New Year’s Resolutions. If you have four-legged friends at home, it’s important to consider some resolutions for them, too. If your dog could benefit from shedding some pounds as well, don’t worry, because it’s actually more common than you may think. While their extra cushion may be adorable, it can impact more than just appearance.

Pet Obesity: A Growing Health Concern

Did you know that more than 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese? And what’s worse is that the number keeps increasing. Pet obesity, just like human obesity, simply means your four-legged friend carries some excess body fat that can negatively impact health and mobility. A common cause of this is simply that pet owners chalk up the extra pounds to normal.

Vets consider obesity to be the number one preventable disease in pets. This is especially true as animals get older. The extra weight on your pets’ joints can lead to significant pain and mobility issues. 

Why Extra Weight Is Risky for Pets

Further, extra weight can actually put stress on more than just joints. In fact, nearly all systems are affected by the extra weight. Some significant health risks include:

• Arthritis or joint issues
• Diabetes and insulin issues
• Heart disease and breathing difficulties
• Extra risk during anesthesia or surgery (due to reduced lung functionality)

At a higher level, there is a larger overall lifespan impact. Overweight pets often live shorter lives than healthy-weight pets. You may notice some quality-of-life issues, such as fatigue, reduced playfulness, and mobility issues. Even just a few pounds overweight can make an impact, especially for smaller breeds. 

Common Causes of Pet Weight Gain

The most common cause of your pet’s weight getting out of hand is simply overfeeding. Whether it was increasing the portion size too much as they grew, or maybe the scoops got a little looser as time went on. Another culprit can be a few too many treats or table scraps. If your dog misses out on their walks or play time, you may notice a bit more in their belly region, too. 

Besides those top three reasons, there could be underlying issues related to spaying/neutering, medical conditions, or medications. Regardless, your pet’s weight is nothing to be ashamed of; it’s often small habits that compound and are most certainly reversible. 

Make This New Year Lighter for You and Your Pup

Just like shedding pounds in your own life, losing pet pounds doesn’t happen overnight. Speak with your veterinarian for the best approach for your pet. For starters, consider asking your vet these questions during your visit:

• What is the ideal weight for my pet?
• What is a safe rate of weight loss for my pet?
• Are there specific dietary recommendations or restrictions to follow?
• What kind of exercise would be suitable for my pet?

Having a list of questions ready ensures you cover important aspects of your pet’s health and weight management.