Obesity and its related health risks are no longer a problem confined to humans. Overweight pets are on the increase. If left untreated, the result could be medical problems and a shorter life span. What measures can you take to manage your pet’s weight and maintain good health?
If you can’t feel your pet’s ribs, it has no discernable waist or hips, or if your pet is reluctant to be physically active, these are typical signs of being overweight. Check with your veterinarian for an assessment and weight reduction plan and to make sure that there are no other underlying medical problems that may have caused the weight gain.
The first and key to weight management is food intake. To lose weight, your pet needs to spend more calories than it takes in. If its current pet food is already balanced, then it could be a simple matter of reducing the quantity. Try smaller meals spread throughout the day. If your pet eats out of an open feeder, consider purchasing a model that has a built-in timer to help regulate the amount of accessible food throughout the day.
In many cases, though, overweight pets are eating foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients. Switch to a high quality, nutritious, balanced pet food that doesn’t contain unnecessary calories. Some brands have special weight reduction foods that you can use for initial weight loss, after which your pet may be able to return to a regular, balanced eating program.
The second key to effective weight management is regular, ongoing exercise. This helps your pet to shed weight and to keep it off. Shopping for new toys can be a great way to encourage your pet to enjoy play and become more active. Remember that overweight pets need to start slowly and increase their activity level gradually.
Global Pet Foods in Keswick is your source for top quality foods, supplements and accessories to keep your pet healthy and happy. Call 905-476-0575 or visit www.globalpetfoods.ca.