5 tips to help pets that have packed on extra summer pounds | Entertainment/Life
If the family pet has gained a few pounds, follow these tips to get his weight in check
Many pets gain weight for the same reasons people do — poor diet and lack of exercise. And just like humans, our pets can suffer from health problems such as heart disease, liver disease, arthritis and diabetes when they are overweight.
Excess weight can also shorten a pet’s life span. Approximately 61{3898e331af1204232834ee4b271ab810d758071928e09067d8268169721bee90} of cats and 59{3898e331af1204232834ee4b271ab810d758071928e09067d8268169721bee90} of dogs are estimated to be overweight or have obesity according to a 2022 U.S. survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
World Pet Obesity Week is Oct. 7-13. After a summer of shorter than normal walks — or just staying inside — to avoid the heat, now might be a good time to evaluate your pet’s weight and overall health.
Sometimes we don’t realize that our pup has gained a few pounds, and appropriate weight ranges vary by size and breed. Signs that a pet may be overweight include:
- Loss of an obvious waist
- The collar on a full-grown pet is getting snug and needs loosening
- Slow movement
- Shortness of breath
If Fido has gained a few pounds, follow these five tips to help him get back in shape:
1. PROVIDE GOOD-QUALITY FOOD: Switching to healthier food will decrease the empty calories a pet takes in. Check the label to determine the calorie content per serving. This is important to know to feed the correct portion to maintain a pet’s weight and health.
Avoid foods that feature corn, corn meal or wheat as the first or second ingredient, and instead choose foods with chicken or turkey listed first. These foods have more protein for an active, healthy lifestyle.
2. AVOID FREE FEEDING: Just a slight decrease in the amount of food a pet consumes can help with weight loss. Especially if a dog or cat is overweight, it is a good idea to have set feeding times and to pick up the food outside of the set times.
3. TRADE IN THE TREATS: Treats can quickly pack on the pounds. They should make up no more than 10{3898e331af1204232834ee4b271ab810d758071928e09067d8268169721bee90} of a pet’s daily calories.
Many prepackaged dog treats have very little nutritional value and are packed with extra calories. Decreasing the number of treats each day and opting for low-calorie, healthy treats that have nutritional value and are made with high-quality ingredients will help maintain a healthy weight.
Options in moderation such as slices of apple, or green beans, can help with weight control, while still providing a yummy treat.
4. EXERCISE CAUTIOUSLY: Throwing the ball in the yard and even adding small walks or a short jog a day can make a difference but avoid the hottest parts of the day.
For felines, engage the cat in play with toys to get him off the sofa and moving around. Exercising pets also leads to more exercise for owners, so it is a win-win situation.
5. TALK TO A VETERINARIAN: Before making any drastic changes, talk to a veterinarian who can determine if a dog is overweight.
Sometimes weight gain can be a sign of an underlying problem. A vet can properly evaluate the pet’s overall health and make recommendations for the best foods and the right amount of exercise for a pet’s individual needs.
We want our pets to be with us forever, and maintaining a healthy weight can improve a pet’s overall well-being, allowing them to live a longer, happier and healthier life.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.
