Pet obesity

You may have noticed that your pet’s food is going down faster. It’s the season where pets and their guardians tend to eat more.

So it’s the time of year that we should educate ourselves about pet obesity.

This is an incredibly important issue because pets with obesity are at increased risk for developing serious weight related disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and more. Not only this, it’s getting cooler and animals are starting to feel their niggly joints. For some this is pure and simple arthritis due to age or previous trauma, but for a lot of animals, it's due to being overweight. Extra pressure and weight on the joints causing damage and pain.

Did you know being overweight takes OVER 2 YEARS off your pets’ life expectancy?

We must do better.

To help you better care for your furry loved one, I’d like to share the top questions you need to ask your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy. They’re simple, won’t embarrass you, and just may save a life.

IS MY PET OVERWEIGHT?

This is the most important question you must ask your veterinarian. As a concerned pet owner, you need to understand your pet’s weight is one of the most influential factors of longevity, quality of life, and disease prevention. Don’t be offended if the answer isn’t what you expected. This isn’t personal; it’s your pet’s future.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I FEED MY PET EACH DAY?

Whatever your pet’s diet is based on it is important to know how much they should be eating, and what their water intake should be too.

In summer they should have ample water because of the heat. In winter, heaters dry out the air for instance, so they should also have ample water. Be sure to ask your vet about wet and dry food in regard to water intake too.

IF YOUR PET IS OVER WEIGHT YOU SHOULD ASK HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN A PET SAFELY LOSE IN A PERIOD OF TIME?

Losing weight isn’t easy or fast for pets, especially cats. If you put your pet on a crash diet, they can develop serious medical conditions. Patience is essential with pet weight loss. There will be some unhappy pooches and purr babies when you institute a diet. Your vet should provide you with tips on preventing these behaviours and transitioning to a new weight-loss diet.

WHAT KINDS OF EXERCISE SHOULD MY PET DO?

Ask your vet what types of activities are best based on your pet’s species, breed, age, gender, and current physical abilities.

Walking, swimming, agility, chase, ball retrieving, and remote controlled toys – the opportunities for physical activity with your pet are limitless.

The general recommendation is that dogs need at least 30-minutes of physical activity a day and cats should strive for three 5-minute intense play periods. How you spend those minutes will determine if you do it or don’t. Make your outings enjoyable, entertaining, and interactive.

Cat owners, please don’t forget to ask this question. Whether you play with a feather duster or laser pointer, move the food bowl, or use a hip, high-tech toy, engage your cat’s inner predator and encourage it to pounce, leap, and prowl every day.

IS MY PET AT RISK FOR A MEDICAL PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESS WEIGHT?

This is a very serious question that you need to understand for your pet’s future. Dogs and cats carrying extra fat are at greater risk for developing debilitating diabetes, crippling arthritis, deadly high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of catastrophic cancer. You need to have a frank conversation with your vet to find out if your pet is potentially facing one of these conditions. If so, what can you do to cut those odds?

Together, you and your vet can chart a course for a better, longer, and happier life for your pet loved one. It’s totally worth it.

Contact me via 8ight page Or 8ightinfinity@gmail.com To book your appointment. This way we avoid the "other" inboxes. Hope you have a beautiful day. 💙 Love, light, purrs and wags Di xoxo new pet introductions, behaviour, health, missing pet trackings