We all love to spoil our pets. Whether it’s with treats or toys, we are all guilty of giving them too much. And sometimes, it might just be a little too much. While most pet owners are oblivious to whether their pet is overweight or not, a new study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention have found that more than half of pets in the U.S. can be classified as obese or overweight.
Overweightness and obesity can be detrimental for your pets. As overweight pets tend to be less active than their non-obese counterparts, they are more likely to develop joint problems and other health conditions. Thus it is vital for the owners to be proactive when it comes to helping their pets live a healthy life.
Not sure if your pet is overweight? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions you may have regarding the weight of your pet.
How do I know that my pet’s weight is healthy?
You can quickly determine whether the weight of your pet is healthy by simply giving it a quick ‘check-up’ test. To do this, place your hands on the sides of your pet and gently run your hands from its chest down to its sides. Your hands should be able to feel their ribs without exerting too much effort. Next, stand directly above your pet. Your pet should have a visible waistline or an hourglass figure. Finally, stand next to your pet. You should be able to notice a distinct abdomen tuck.
If you are worried that your pets might be overweight, you might want to consider switching to pet foods that are specifically formulated for weight management. You might also want to check with your local vet to see if your pet has any health issues that may be contributing to the weight increase.
How much should I feed my pet?
It is always recommended to feed your pet the right amount of food as instructed on the label. Otherwise, you can always discuss with a vet how much you should be feeding your pet if you’re still unsure.
Furthermore, you should also avoid feeding your pets any table scraps. Let your pets have their meals away from the table – you can always reward their good behaviour with treats and affection after the meal. You can also try and extend their meal time by using puzzle feeders and slow feed bowls.
What if my pet acts like they’re still hungry?
First of all, are you certain that your pet is hungry? Maybe your pet is simply looking for your attention or some playtime. Instead of giving your pet some food, give them some scratches and play with them for a little bit the next time they beg for food.
How can I get some exercise for my pet?
The most common and effective way of incorporating exercise into your pet’s daily life is to take them for a walk on a daily basis. If this isn’t possible, you can get your pet to exercise by throwing around their favourite toy in a clear area, or getting them to play games such as find the treat. If that isn’t possible either, you can get your pet to move around the house by placing your food and water bowls in different sections of the house.
Do you have any questions or other concerns regarding the health of your pet? Comment below and we’ll try our best to answer them.
