How to Manage Pet Obesity and Improve Your Pet's Health
Pet obesity is a really common, very prevalent problem that we have in our domestic animals, specifically our dogs and cats. We see a lot of pet obesity here at Whittington Veterinary Clinic, and today I'm going to touch on why this is a problem and why it's so important for our pets to be at optimal health. I'll also discuss fun things you can do to encourage them to lose that weight!
Dr. Anne Katherine Landry-Boylan
Why is pet obesity a problem?
Pet obesity is, number one, uncomfortable as you can imagine. It's hard to get around, and it's hard on our pets' joints. So, we really encourage getting that weight off. The second point is that it makes them more prone to medical issues like diabetes and arthritis. It is proven that pets who are obese or overweight will get arthritis at an earlier age.
What is an ideal activity level for our dogs?
We typically recommend at least one hour per day for dogs to be outside running, walking, and playing. Examples could be bringing them on a walk, throwing a ball if they like toys, and specifically having them move. It's very important for these guys. I always recommend getting your dog out, even if it's just for 30 minutes, in the morning and in the afternoon. This can be a walk, allowing them to smell new scents and see new sights. I always try to think of it as the best part of their day, being able to do these things with you.
What other activities can we do with our pets?
Other examples of things to do with your pet would be to bring them on a bike ride, bring them out to get Starbucks and get a pup cup, or take them to PetSmart or Petco to get a new toy. Anything that is different from their typical routine really means a lot to these guys, and they get a lot out of it, including exercise.
Are there any health issues that might affect my dog's ability to exercise?
Absolutely. Some of our dogs and cats can suffer from arthritis. They typically get this disease later in life, and it causes pain in their joints. We actually have medications and supportive monthly injections at our clinic that can help with these issues. If you notice your dog struggling to get up, struggling to climb stairs, or struggling to even walk or run around, these are all signs that they may be dealing with arthritis. The same goes for our feline patients. Often, we see them struggle to jump, play with toys, or simply run around. If you notice any of these signs in either your canine or feline friends, please give us a call and bring them in for an exam. We would love to chat with you about our arthritic medication options that we have here.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (337) 893-8522, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.