Extra treats, overfeeding, and no exercise are some reasons for pet obesity.
It’s crucial to know your pet. Some pets are not curious enough to sniff for food; however, if your pet is food-driven, it’s vital to protect it against its tendency to consume more calories than usual. Extra treats, overfeeding, and no exercise are some reasons for pet obesity.
What Can Pet Obesity Cause?
One or more pounds can significantly affect tiny joints that are not meant to carry additional weight, especially in small dogs. Pet obesity occurs due to diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers. Arthritis is not curable, but you can manage your pet’s pain. If your pet has diabetes, it requires daily insulin medications to extend life expectancy. Also, make sure to have your vet examine your furry companion for high blood pressure or start a treatment program if hypertension is the cause of weight gain.
Ways to Avoid Risks Related to Pet Obesity
- Constant physical and mental exercise enhances your pet’s mood, lowers cortisol levels, and maintains its weight to prevent pet obesity.
- Also, determine daily routine feeding times and controlled portions so your cat or dog knows what to expect. Reduce feeding your pet table scraps because his or her nonurge to eat non-foods will intensify.
- Make sure to maintain regular vet visits. Early detection is the best method of managing illness in your pet. Pet wellness examinations inspect your pet’s skin, ears, eyes, and teeth. Your veterinarian can even check for overdue vaccinations.
- Your cat or dog might be genetically prone to health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and hip or elbow dysplasia. This is why it’s a good idea to invest in pet insurance. Choosing health coverage can ease your financial burden and improve your pet’s quality of life. Some policy plans also cover flea and tick preventatives, vaccinations, and diagnostic exams.
Are you interested in using our veterinary services? Call Alexander Animal Hospital at 410-777-8678!
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
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. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!