When winter comes around, we tend to get lazy. And when we get lazy, that means our pets might not be getting the exercise they need. Since you don’t want to spend as much time outside, your pups probably won’t get as long of a walk. If your dogs aren’t getting enough exercise and if they’re not eating right, it could be a slippery slope to pet obesity. Let’s talk more about pet obesity and what you can to do prevent it.
What are the Dangers of Pet Obesity?
Extra weight can lead to issues for your pet’s body, health, and lifespan. A few extra pounds certainly won’t hurt, but if they start to push the recommended weight for their breed, you’ll want to look into ways to reduce their weight in a healthy way. If you’re not sure what weight your dog should be, you can always ask your vet.
Obesity can lead to other serious issues like:
- Osteoarthritis
- Lowered immune system function
- Respiratory difficulties
- Increased risk for tumors.
These are just a few of the problems that obesity can cause. Other issues like lethargy will inevitably present themselves, and your pet won’t be able to play like they used to. Luckily, there are things you can do to prevent pet obesity.
How You Can Prevent Obesity in Your Pet
Prevention is key to avoiding pet obesity. If your pet is already obese or overweight, it’s more difficult to reverse than it is to prevent in the first place. Here are some things you can do to keep your pet at a healthy weight:
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Only giving treats occasionally
- Avoid feeding them table scraps.
Sometimes, underlying health issues can contribute to weight gain. If this is the case, you’ll need to visit your vet to make a plan to minimize weight gain. This plan could include a special diet and medication. Always follow your vet’s recommended plan when it comes to treating a medical condition and related symptoms.