Pet Obesity Month: A call to action for healthier, happier pets
Pet Obesity Month: A call to action for healthier, happier pets
It’s Pet Obesity Month, making it the perfect time to reassess your pet’s health and nutrition. Dr Karien Brink, Veterinarian at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says that pet obesity is the number one health risk for pets. She notes that 90% of pet parents are unaware that their pets are overweight and with more than 50% of pets affected, this is a significant risk to their health and well-being.
How can you tell if your pet is overweight? Dr Brink suggests asking yourselves these three questions:
- Does your pet struggle to catch their breath when going for a walk or climbing the stairs?
- Have they become noticeably less active and eager to play?
- Are they looking a little bit rounder – their ribs are difficult to feel, they have a broader back, a severe abdominal bulge, and/or fat deposits around their neck and tail?
“We know pets who are overweight are less happy, live shorter lives, and are at a higher risk of developing arthritis, urinary conditions, skin problems, heart disease, and cancer,” says Dr Brink. “Your pet does not have to be obese to be at risk of these health concerns. Carrying just an extra kilogram or two can affect your pet.”
If you think your pet may be overweight, Dr Brink recommends visiting your vet for an assessment. Your vet can recommend the best plan if your pet needs to shed a few kilos. Dr Brink shares the below tips for pet parents who are embarking on their pet’s weight management journey:
- Keep a check on treats – extra treats and human food can quickly produce additional calories and kilos. If you want to treat your pet, think of alternatives rather than food, such as a new toy, extra playtime, snuggles, and games.
- Get active – play a game of catch with your dog in the park or garden, to keep your dog moving. They will also love quality time.
- Take a walk – a stroll around the neighbourhood or park is a great way to keep your dog moving and, if you can, include some obstacles and different terrains, to challenge your dog a little more.
- Engage with your cat – boxes, pet tunnels, and a crumpled piece of paper are activities that will provide fun and exercise for your cat.
- Discuss diet with your vet – Whether your pet needs to lose weight or maintain a healthy one, ask your vet for the best-suited food options. Studies have shown that 88% of pets lost weight in just two months, with a reduction in body fat of up to 28% when being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic or Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility.
- Follow the feeding guidelines on the pack – to prevent overfeeding, weigh your pet’s food, place it in the Hill’s feeding cup, and cut the cup to the correct level. Alternatively, use a weight measuring cup. This helps to ensure that whoever is feeding your pet is giving the right amount of food each time.
Dr Brink says, “Calorie counting and reducing portion sizes is not sustainable and inevitably your pet will put on weight they have lost. Instead, pet parents should feed a food that encourages fat burning instead of fat storing, helping pets lose weight effectively and keep it off.”
Pet Obesity Month serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our pet’s weight. Dr Brink concludes, “By making informed choices about nutrition and exercise, our pets can live a longer and healthier life – enjoying it to the fullest.”
For more information visit the Hill’s website
Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition
