When faced with the loving gazes of our four-legged companions, pet owners may find it challenging to resist the temptation to reward them with food. However, too many treats or overstuffed food meals may harm your pet’s general health and well-being. According to studies, more than half of dogs and felines in various nations are obese or overweight. Obese pets are more prone to suffer from many health issues that shorten their lifespans and compromise their lifestyle.
Various Health Risks of Pet Obesity
Obesity has a significant negative impact on a pet’s health. Excess weight in pets is becoming an increasingly major health concern for our companion animals, particularly dogs and cats. It is a condition that their owners only seldom recognize as a real problem. Although some individuals find it endearing, it poses a severe health risk.
Caring for our pets is a duty that falls squarely on our shoulders as pet owners, and regularly bringing them to a Clovis pet hospital can help them avoid health risks. Here are some possible health risks that overweight cats and dogs may encounter.
Heart and Breathing Problems
Heart disease and hypertension are two of the many side effects of being overweight. It is also associated with breathing problems. Obese dogs are more likely to have tracheal collapse and laryngeal paralysis. If left untreated, these airway conditions may progress to a respiratory crisis, which can be deadly for pets.
Arthritis
One of the most common issues with excessive weight in pets is the risk of arthritis, specifically in older pets. Arthritis triggers the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate. The increased weight placed on them will put additional strain on their joints, causing the bones to rub together more intensely, which can intensify their pain. The veterinarian can prescribe pain medications, but losing weight can significantly assist in alleviating some of the discomforts.
Infections and Skin Diseases
Obese cats and dogs typically have extra skin folds, which may lead to bacterial infection. The irritation causes your pet to scratch, lick, and bite the affected area, can worsen the condition, and result in body odor and hair loss. Overweight cats struggle with grooming themselves, which causes their fur and skin to look unhealthy. The infection can usually be treated with appropriate veterinary treatment from a Family Pet Hospital; however, unless they lose weight, the conditions will continue.
Liver Disease
Obese pets’ organs and systems must work harder to keep up with their increased metabolism. The pet’s overworked liver may no longer be able to detoxify its own body and clear out toxins because of fatty liver. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it may cause numerous life-threatening health problems and require immediate medical attention. To prevent liver disease caused by being overweight, you can talk to your veterinarian about getting annual exams, or you might as well enroll your pet in a wellness program.
As a Summary
The issue with our pets being overweight is not only physical; excess weight causes or worsens various severe medical problems. Our animal companions rely on us to make wise decisions on their behalf. Ensure that you feed your pet according to appropriate nutritional recommendations and not based on good advertising or a low price. Consult your veterinarian for suggestions for maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. So you’ll have longer years together, and your pets will be happier and healthier.
