Overfeeding and lack of exercise are a few reasons for pet obesity.
Get to know your pet. Some pets are not as curious to sniff for food, but if yours is and is food-driven, it is crucial to protect your pet against their tendencies to consume extra than the usual calories. Overfeeding, extra treats, and lack of exercise are a few reasons for pet obesity.
Health Consequences of Pet Obesity
- Can Cause Diseases. One or two pounds can make a difference on tiny joints not designed to carry extra weight, particularly in small dogs. Pet obesity is traced to arthritis (joint diseases), diabetes, and some cancers. Arthritis is not curable, so your pet’s pain needs to be managed. If your pet develops diabetes, it requires daily insulin injections and medications and minimizes life expectancy.
- Rising Blood Pressure. If your pet has recently gained a couple of pounds, have them examined to rule out high blood pressure or begin a treatment plan if hypertension is the reason for the weight gain.
Avoiding the Risks Linked to Pet Obesity
- Ongoing Exercise. Constant exercise for your pet improves their mood, lowers cortisol levels, and maintains their weight, thus preventing pet obesity.
- Establish a Feeding Routine. Determine regular feeding times and controlled portions daily. Your pet will know what to expect. Minimize feeding your pet table scraps as her urge to eat non-foods will intensify.
- Maintain Regular Vet Visits. Early detection is the best way to manage illness on your pet. Problems are diagnosed early when you commit to yearly vet check-ups. Wellness exams check your pet’s skin, eyes, ears, and teeth. Also, they may be due for vaccinations.
- Invest in Pet Insurance. Your pet may be genetically prone to health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and hip or elbow dysplasia. Selecting health coverage can ease your financial burden and enhance your pet’s standard of living. Some policy plans also cover flea and tick preventatives, diagnostic exams, and vaccinations.
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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