How Common Is Pet Obesity? What Are The Signs Of Obesity In Dogs And Cats In Houston, TX?
How Common is Pet Obesity?
Pet obesity is becoming a significant challenge to all pets’ general well-being. A survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reports that about 60 percent and 56 percent of cats and dogs in the U.S are overweight or obese.
A report by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) states that an estimated 56 (Fifty-Six) million cats and 50 (Fifty) million dogs are obese in the U.S. These statistics and the ratio of obese pets to healthy pets are quite alarming because all these reports show is that 40 percent of cats and 44 percent of dogs are healthy. Obesity is a common problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as diagnosed.
It’s quite sad that despite these statistics, only a handful of pet owners have visited their vet to help their overweight pet shed some unwanted body fat.
Health Challenges associated with Obesity
Just as an overweight human is prone to numerous health challenges, which eventually lead to a short life span, an obese pet is also prone to some specific health challenges as a result of Obesity. Some of these health issues are:
- Arthritis in both dogs and cats.
- Diabetes in both dogs and cats.
- Respiratory disease.
- Cystitis in cats.
Dog breed prone to Obesity.
- Labrador
- Basset hounds
- Rottweilers
- Pugs
- Beagles
- Golden retriever
Note that older dogs are also prone to be obese due to decreased activity with age.
Cat breed prone to Obesity
- Persian
- Manx
- American shorthair
- Birdman
- Ragamuffin
- Sphynx
Signs of Obesity in dogs.
Feel for your dog’s rib cage by running your hand over his side. You should be able to feel the contour of your dog’s ribs without any excess fat hiding them.
You should be able to see and feel your dog’s waist and spine. If your dog is obese, he would have thick fur covering, making it difficult to see his waistline and spine.
Your dog’s stomach should be tucked up when looked at from the side. If it hung low, then your dog is overweight.
Signs of Obesity in cats.
Feel for your cat’s rib cage by running your hand over his side. You feel the ribs at an ideal weight. If otherwise, then your cat is overweight.
When viewed from the side, your cat’s stomach should be tucked in (with just little fat at the abdomen). If it is sagging, your cat is overweight.
At an average weight, your cat’s weight should be visible.
Obesity in pets can be prevented by feeding your pet a balanced diet, portion control of meals/treats, and regular exercise.
Take note that your pet’s Obesity may result from an underlying illness that can only be discovered when you go for regular check-ups. Ensure you do not miss your pet’s vet appointment.
Perhaps you do not have a vet in League City and are looking for an animal hospital in Houston, TX, or an affordable pet clinic in Houston, Texas; contact Safari Veterinary Care Center, often called Stem Cell Safari one of the leading Stem Cell Therapy Clinic In Texas.