Denial or oblivion are often the reactions of many pet parents when confronted with their fur baby’s weight.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, about 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are classified as obese in the U.S. Even more surprising is that most dog owners (60%) are unaware of their pet’s weight issues.
When pet food company Ollie surveyed 2,000 pet parents last year, it found a substantial gap between their perceptions and the reality of their dog’s weight concerns. The company believes this could be a large contributor to the country’s pet obesity epidemic.
Raising Awareness
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s shocking stats prompted pet nutrition brand IAMS to launch a campaign.
IAMS placed a gigantic dog balloon between two buildings en route to the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Modeled on the real-life dog Waylon and his weight loss journey, the brand sought to raise more awareness.
Onlookers were encouraged to scan a QR code connecting them to IAMS’s Healthy Weight Dog Hub.
As a pet parent, you only want the best for your beloved fur baby. Unfortunately, an unhealthy diet isn’t one of them.
Finding that your pooch is tipping the scales is hard to swallow. Don’t fret. Below, we’ll discuss how to get your furry friend in the best possible shape.
Managing Weight
Psychologist and behavior change expert Professor Thomas Webb says obesity among companion animals is very much a human problem.
He tells Phys.org that weight issues can lead to serious health problems. Arthritis, diabetes, and an overall reduced quality of life are only a few of the side effects.
Following an in-depth study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Webb and his team developed a health pack to help dog parents manage their pet’s weight.
Based on previous research, the health pack emphasizes behavioral science and encourages dog owners to adopt healthier habits for their pooches.
The pack includes a journal to track progress, infographics displaying the calorific content of dog treats, and tips for managing sharing food.
Signs of Overfeeding
Bruno’s a big dog so he deserves more than the recommended portion, right? You might think it’s okay to bulk up your furry friend’s dinner, but you’re doing them a big disservice.
Overfeeding can lead to all sorts of issues and excessive weight gain. If your dog experiences abdominal discomfort and swelling combined with loose stools, they might be overfed.
Overfeeding puts pressure on the digestive system, reducing efficiency and resulting in irregular bowel movements. It can be unsettling when your dog leaves puddles of pet waste to clean up.
A pet waste removal service can help you deal with dog poop. Some professional pooper scooper services offer full pet waste management packages. This often includes deodorizing and sanitizing residential and commercial properties.
Ensure there aren’t any hidden costs in taking care of the dirty work. Scoop Soldiers suggests hiring a company that offers competitive rates with no contracts and prepayments for peace of mind and customer satisfaction.
Body Condition Score
Every pet owner should be aware of the body condition score.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says the best way to tell if your pet is overweight is to request your vet to use the body condition score chart.
Scores typically range from one to nine, where one is underweight and nine is extremely overweight. The ideal range is four to five.
Therapeutic Weight Loss
Many pet nutrition experts suggest therapeutic weight loss diets. These types of eating plans promote fullness and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
The goal is to gradually reduce their servings. The diet should be implemented in low amounts and adjusted every two to three weeks.
This diet is more effective because it is lower in energy density. Fiber, water, and reduced dietary fat help achieve optimal health levels.
Another advantage is the fortification of nutrients. Feeding your pup a protein-fortified diet helps reduce lean body mass loss. Canine therapeutic weight loss diets typically derive over 30% of calories from protein, while feline diets provide over 40%.
When it comes to physical activity, always consult your veterinarian. VCA Animal Hospitals explains that morbidly obese pets may not be able to tolerate intense activities. Once your vet gives the green light, start by increasing the length of your daily walks.
Consistency and sticking to a diet plan will soon become routine practice.
Although it can be stressful at times, keep the ultimate goal in mind. You want your beloved fur babies to live a long, happy and healthy life.
