The health effects associated with obesity are a top concern for pets today. As the obesity rates for dogs and cats continue to rise, the diagnosis of health problems linked to obesity increases too. There’s really no surprise when it comes to the negative effects obesity has on pet wellness—they mirror the same health problems experienced by humans. However, even the smallest gain in weight can cause significant stress on a pet’s body.
Obesity can shorten the lifespan of your pet!
Obese pets are more likely to experience any number of these problems:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease or dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Arthritis
- Chronic joint pain
- Thyroid disease
- Difficulty breathing and related respiratory issues
- Heat intolerance
- Increased risk of developing cancerous tumors
Preventing obesity goes a long way in thwarting the types of diseases and medical conditions which impact the quality and length of your pet’s life. Some medical conditions can be reversed with weight loss associated with changes in diet and activity level. However, sometimes these changes may not be enough to overcome more severe damage brought on by prolonged obesity.
Talk to your veterinarian about body condition score ranges and nutritional counseling to ensure the proper diet and activity levels are designed specifically for your pet to prevent or manage obesity and the negative affect on health associated with obesity.
Tomorrow: Our 2nd Annual Pawsitively Fit Camp is Filled with Fun!
Additional Resources:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_long_term_effects_of_obesity_on_pets
