Obesity can be defined as an excess of body fat that is enough to impair health, welfare and quality of life. It can affect all types of pets, and the main cause is from eating too much or not exercising enough, although some diseases can cause obesity.Obesity in people is generally 20-25 per cent above ideal body weight. This is likely to be similar in pets, however will vary.
We believe obesity is a serious welfare issue in pets because it:
• Can cause a lot of unnecessary suffering and can be extremely disabling.
• Can affect animals for long periods.
• Is a preventable problem.
Are certain pets more likely to be obese?
Several factors make obesity more likely in pets. E.g. for dogs:
• Breed - certain breeds have a higher risk.
• Age – the risk increases with age.
• Neuter status – neutered dogs are more at risk.
• Gender – apart from older dogs, obesity is reported to be more common in females.
• Owner – obese owners may be more likely to have obese dogs, perhaps because they are less likely to exercise their dog, or less able to recognize obesity.
Similar factors may also be associated with other animals.
The health risks of obesity:
Obesity can cause serious health and welfare problems, and make existing problems worse. This can reduce the length and quality of a pet’s life.
Some serious medical conditions associated with obesity are:
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Respiratory distress
• High blood pressure
• Cancers
Obesity is also likely to affect a pet’s ability to perform natural behaviors (e.g. exercise normally).
Preventing obesity
For dogs and cats there are a few simple checks you can do:
• You should be able to see and feel the outline of your pet’s ribs without excess fat covering.
• You should be able to see and feel your pet’s waist and it should be clearly visible when viewed from above.
• Your pet’s belly should be tucked up when viewed from the side.
If your pet does not pass these checks, or if you are in any doubt, consult your vet.
If you feel that your pet is in need of a health a check-up to make sure they are not at risk for many of these problems associated with pet obesity, stop in to Caring Hands Animal Hospital of Las Vegas, Nevada today! They offer a wide range of services to keep your pet healthy and on the right track to a long life.