Did you know that obesity is a problem for pets, too? Just like humans, animals can suffer from health problems related to being overweight. In this blog post, we will discuss six facts about pet obesity. After you learn something new, be sure to take action and help your furry friend get healthy!
1. 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats in the US are obese, according to a study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).
2. Pets that are overweight are more likely to suffer from health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer.
3. Obesity can shorten your pet’s life expectancy. Studies have shown that overweight dogs live an average of two years less than healthy weight dogs. Cats who are obese have a shorter life expectancy by as much as three years compared to their thinner counterparts.
4. To check if your pet is obese or overweight, you should be able to easily feel their ribs. If you can’t, it’s likely that your pet is carrying too much weight. Pets who are obese are also more likely to suffer from joint pain, arthritis, and respiratory problems. Obesity in animals is often caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise. To help your pet slim down, make sure they are getting plenty of physical activity and eating a healthy diet. You may need to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs.
5. Veterinarians determine if a pet is overweight or obese by its body condition score (BCS). The BCS is a nine-point scale that assesses an animal’s body fat. A score of four or below indicates that a pet is too thin, while a score of seven or above indicates obesity. Pets with a BCS in the middle range are considered to be at a healthy weight.
6. Did you know that nearly 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese? That’s according to a 2017 study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Just like humans, our pets can suffer from health problems related to being overweight. Here are six facts about pet obesity:
Carrying extra weight puts strain on a pet’s heart and lungs and can lead to respiratory problems.
Overweight animals are more likely to suffer from arthritis and joint pain.
Excess weight can cause pancreatitis, which is a painful and potentially fatal condition.
Diabetes is also more common in obese pets.
If you are concerned that your pet may be obese, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you create a weight loss plan that is safe and healthy for your furry friend. Remember, knowledge is power! By learning about pet obesity, you can make a difference in the life of your pet.
