October is Pet Obesity Month, the perfect opportunity to focus on the health and well-being of our furry companions.
Just like us, pets benefit from a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that pet obesity is one of the biggest health risks they face today? In fact, many pet owners aren’t even aware their pets are carrying extra weight.
Is your pet overweight?
It’s not always easy to tell if a pet is overweight. Dr. Karien Brink from Hill’s Pet Nutrition explains that even a few extra kilograms can affect a pet’s health, increasing the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Does your pet get tired quickly when walking or climbing stairs?
- Have they become less playful or energetic?
- Can you feel their ribs easily, or do they have fat deposits around their neck, back, or tail?
If you answered ‘yes’ to most of these, your pet might need some lifestyle adjustments. A quick visit to the vet can confirm if your pet is at a healthy weight and offer advice on how to manage it.
Practical tips to maintain your pet’s weight
Maintaining your pet’s weight doesn’t have to be complicated. Dr. Brink suggests these practical tips:
1. Mind the treats
Treats can add up fast! Try rewarding your pet with playtime, snuggles, or a new toy instead of treats.
2. Make exercise fun
- For dogs: Go beyond walks—play fetch in the garden, or explore different parks with new terrains to keep things interesting.
- For cats: Use tunnels, boxes, or even a crumpled paper ball to engage them in fun activities.
3. Watch portions
It’s easy to overfeed, so stick to the feeding guidelines on your pet’s food. Use a measuring cup to ensure they get the right amount every time.
4. Choose the proper diet
Ask your vet about foods designed to promote weight loss or maintenance. Dr. Brink emphasises that keeping weight under control isn’t about drastic calorie cuts but rather finding foods that encourage fat-burning.
Prevention is the best medicine
Just like humans, pets live longer and happier lives when they stay at a healthy weight. Obesity not only affects their joints and mobility but can also lead to chronic inflammation and pain. Pet Obesity Month reminds us that healthy habits make a difference. With regular exercise, mindful feeding, and a little extra attention, our pets can live their best lives.
Keeping track of their weight with regular vet check-ins ensures they stay on the right path.
ALSO SEE: 5 most toxic foods to keep away from your dogs
Feature image: Pexels
