Overweight Pets

Pets, just like any other living creature, are susceptible to obesity and health problems that result. It is estimated that over 40% of cats are obese. Not only do obese cats have a difficult time maneuvering with agility, but they are also prone to serious health issues, such as heart trouble, arthritis and diabetes. Therefore, it is essential that if you have an overweight pet, you start to get that pet back on track to live a skinner, healthier life.

You probably know that one of the most common causes of human obesity occurs when humans consume more calories than they expend. As such, humans are a highly-studied and monitored species. Pets are not quite as studies, but scientists are sure that most pets gain weight for the same reasons that humans do; they eat more calories than they work off.

As fat develops on your pet's body, your pet will start to move at a slower pace. His or her heart will have to work harder to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. Therefore, the heart will also be stressed. Fat stores also help to retain harmful toxins within the body. After awhile, your pet will face some serious medical problems. Feline diabetes is a nearly daily diagnosis for overweight cats in just about every veterinarian's office.

If you think that you have an animal that is overweight, follow these simple steps to help turn that health problem around:

Watch the food. Reduce the number of snacks that you feed your pet, even if he or she begs for them. Give your pet smaller portions of food at mealtime and feed him or her snacks that are healthy. Make sure that the fat content in the food you give your pet is between 12 and 16 percent.

Exercise often. It is important that in addition to letting your pet prowl on his or her own, you also let him or her exercise for a prolonged amount of time. Take your pet on a long walk or leave your cat outside for an afternoon. Make sure that your pet works his or her muscles while also building an appetite. Use supplements that are vitamin and mineral rich. While many pet wonders think that adding oil to the meal adds to a silky smooth coat, that extra bit of oil actually hurts your pet. Therefore, make sure that you give your pet a supplement that has vitamins that will help to balance your pet's nutrition. While many pet owners enjoy pampering their pets with special foods and treats, if you want to have a happy, healthy pet, it is important that you make sure your pet has a healthy diet that not only includes good food, but also plenty of exercise. The key to generating a healthy lifestyle is making a diet and exercise regimen that your pet can easily continue and that makes him have energy. A healthy lifestyle will help your pet avoid diseases and other medical problems that are becoming more and more prevalent in our society.