Has your dog or cat gained a few extra kilos? Obesity in our 4 legged friends is a ‘growing’ issue – with some estimates suggesting over 40 percent of dogs in Australia are overweight or obese!
We can all be guilty of over-indulging our pets at times with food and treats, but it is extremely important to make sure your pet is within its optimal weight range. Left untreated, overweight or obese pets are at risk of some nasty complications including: bone and joint diseases; diabetes mellitus; heart and respiratory issues; urinary disorders and anaesthetic complications.
So what can we do?
- Identify if your pet is overweight by checking with your vet – they will be able to help you identify a “goal weight” for your pets, as well as discuss feeding and exercise options.
- Cut down on treats. Did you know? Feeding one 30gram piece of cheddar cheese to your 10kg dog is roughly the same as a human eating an entire burger!
- Try to avoid feeding leftovers and table scraps.
- Exercise your pet daily – daily walks are vital for dogs. Exercising cats is trickier but still possible! Try different toys and games to encourage them
- While most cases of obesity are due to an excess of calories, in some cases diseases or specific drugs may be the cause – check with your vet.
Our team at Mosman Vet are more than happy to talk to you about your pet’s weight. Call (02) 9960 2856 or make an appointment today.
Posted on 2 February 2018
Last updated on 11 December 2019
Tagged with: nutrition, obesity
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