Overweight Pets: A Growing Health Problem
In the most recent Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey, it is alarming to know that more than 50% of US dogs are overweight or obese. Overweight and obese dogs are likely to develop health risks such as diabetes, respiratory/digestive conditions, arthritis, even behavioral problems. These dog health risks also impact the quality of life and longevity of an overweight or obese dog.
Add extra years to your dog’s life …
help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
Sugar was never overweight. However in her early senior years, Sugar’s vet suggested losing 5 lbs will be a healthy weight to maintain. Her vet also educated me about obesity as one of the major health issues facing senior dogs. I’m glad I obliged to Sugar’s vet because at 13 years old, Sugar is healthy, happy and has surpassed her average breed life expectancy.
How Do You Assess If Your Pet Is Overweight?
Watch Dr. Ashley Gallagher video below as she describes how to recognize if your pet is overweight. Also, petMD offers a Healthy Weight Calculator for dogs and cats.
What should you do if you think your dog is overweight? Here are
3 Simple Steps To Healthy Dog Weight Loss
1. Meet with your VET: Determine a healthy dog weight loss plan that will work best.
2. Proper Food/Nutrition
a) Know what and how much you need to feed your dog. It is important you choose an age and size appropriate diet and measure your dog’s food at every feeding.
b) Committing to a New Diet like Hill’s® Science Diet® Perfect Weight, dog food formulated to help achieve a healthy weight and improve quality of life. Over 70% of dogs who used Science Diet Perfect Weight lost weight within 10 weeks. Real chicken is the #1 ingredient which supports healthy weight loss and maintains lean muscle. It also contains prebiotic fibers from beet pulp which helps promote gentle digestion.
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight is available for Adult Dogs that require fewer calories (dogs that are less active, neutered to prone to weight gain). On March 2015, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight will be available for Adult Small & Toy Breed Dogs. Small and toy breeds make up 40% of the dog population.
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight is available for dogs and cats in both dry kibble and canned food. Visit Pet360 to purchase Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight
3. Exercise for Health and Wellness
Keep an exercise routine. Engage in thoughtful playtime with your dog outdoors and indoors. A well exercised dog is a happy healthy dog.
If you have an adult dog, there are a variety of ways to exercise your dog both physically and mentally. Make sure to consult your veterinarian.
that’s a super post and we always work on our weight… we all… because that counts for humans too, that you can add some years if your weight is ok :o)
You are an awesome role model, Sugar! Diet and exercise are key to a long life!
Thankf for the advice Sugar…staying fit is a huge goal of ours so we’re glad you are spreading the news!
It’s pretty easy to overfeed your dog and as they age, the weight can really creep up. Haley had a few pounds to lose and by just cutting back a little on her food and watching treats more carefully, she’s back to her ideal weight. Great article!
Sugar you have a most Purrfect Golden Shape….due to good food and exercise!
Hugs madi your bfff
Great advice Sugar and you are living proof that healthy is happy. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly
I am going on several long walks everyday and mom has reduced my kibble by 1/4 cup per day. She is starting to feel my ribs. Oh, and she has also cut down on the treats! That I don’t like!
We do wish one of these companies would make a weight loss food that doesn’t contain chicken/poultry – a fish based one would be good
Vеry nice post. І absolutely agree and so important to maintain a healthy weight. Keep it up! what you are doing with Sugar.
Thanks for sharing this information, I didn’t know Hill’s had this product.