Keep your pet trim and healthy
Staying slim can prevent joint disease, arthritis and similar illnesses, as well as diabetes, particularly in cats.
OBESITY is associated with a shorter life-span in pets, as are diabetes (particularly for cats), joint disease, heart disease, liver disease, skin disease, respiratory disease and heat stroke.
Even some forms of cancer have been linked to obesity, according to PetMD.com.
Dogs and cats that are not overweight tend to be more healthy and comfortable than overweight pets. Staying slim can prevent joint disease, arthritis and similar illnesses, as well as diabetes, particularly in cats.
Proper diet and exercise prevent obesity, but pet owners can find it difficult to determine if they are overfeeding their animals. Regular veterinary examinations assist in evaluating your pet’s body condition, as well as identifying other possible health concerns. Your veterinarian can help you to decide on a proper diet and a safe quantity to feed your pet daily. There are diets that your vet can recommend for pets with an existing weight problem.
Exercise can also be useful in managing your pets’ weight. Daily walks for dogs can be a great form of exercise. Cats respond well to interactive toys.
Food puzzles are a good choice for cats and dogs, to stimulate exercise and mental stimulation simultaneously.
Regular exercise will help burn excess calories, as well as providing mental stimulation and keeping joints and muscles flexible and healthy.
Also read:
Eight tips to get your pets through an extreme heat wave
