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Overweight Dogs and CatsLow-Calorie Pet Food, Exercise and Proper Monitoring of Portion SizeOverweight dogs and cats seem to be on the rise. Veterinarians see fat dogs and fat cats everyday in their practices. Learn how to help your pet lose the extra weight.
Unfortunately most of us have pets that like to eat and pack on the pounds. Obesity in pets is a growing concern. Having excess fat on their bodies can lead to joint problems as well as diabetes. Luckily for us we now have some options for getting this problem under control before it leads to a life threatening illness. Here are some points to help you get some of that winter weight off of your fat dog or cat. Weight Control Diets -Most of the major pet food manufactures have a reduced calorie formula. If you believe your dog or cat is clinically obese then your veterinarian should be able to recommend the proper diet for your pet. Some good prescription diets your veterinarian might recommend include, but are not limited too: Hill's Science Diet r/d, Purina OM, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Calorie Control, and Iams Veterinary Diet Restricted Calorie. If your pet is not clinically obese, but does need to lose some weight; then purchasing the low-calorie formula of the brand you currently use is the next best choice. Brands to try include, but are not limited too: Science Diet Adult Light, Purina Pro Plan Weight Management, and Iams Weight Control. The listed diets are available for dogs and cats. Measure Your Pets Food -A good way to get weight off your fat dog or cat is to use a measuring cup and measure your pet's food. The bag of pet food usually tells how much to feed in one day according to the weight of your pet. Sorry Fido, when the bag calls for one cup of food per day this does not mean one 32oz convenience store cup. Exercise and Play -This can not be stressed enough. Most cats will chase string, some will even fetch and dogs love to go for walks. Walking your dog is good for them physically and mentally and it's not bad for the human either. Weigh Your Pet -Monthly weigh-ins are needed to track progress. Involve your veterinarian, they can help you set goals. It's also a good idea to take before and after pictures. See Your Veterinarian -If you believe your pet has diabetes or painful joints then make an appointment with a veterinarian. Symptoms of diabetes include but are not limited too:
If your pet has joint problems you might notice limping and not wanting to use stairs. Some cats with joint pain will not want to use the litter box. A dog or a cat on a diet is never fun. They will beg and cry for extra food and treats. Remember you love them and want them to be healthy and live a long life. It was probably a little too much love that got them overweight to begin with, but with a little tough love and a lot of patience you can get them back into tip, top shape. Related Articles -
The copyright of the article Overweight Dogs and Cats in Pet Nutrition is owned by Charla Dawson. Permission to republish Overweight Dogs and Cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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