When faced with the loving gazes of our four-legged companions, pet owners may find it difficult to resist the temptation to reward them with food. However, too many treats or overstuffed food meals might harm your pet’s general health and well-being. According to studies, more than half of canines and felines in various nations are obese or overweight. Obese pets are more prone to suffer from multiple health issues that reduce their lifespans and compromise their lifestyle.
Various Health Risks of Pet Obesity
Obesity has a significant negative effect 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 rarely acknowledged as a real problem. Although some individuals find it endearing, it poses a severe health risk. Taking care of our pets is a duty that falls squarely on our shoulders as pet owners. Here are some possible health risks that overweight cats and dogs may experience.
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. Overweight canines 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 fatal for pets. If you are a cat owner, it is advisable to visit your vet for your cat annual checkup to observe any health problems caused by being overweight.
Arthritis
One of the most common problems with excessive weight in pets is the risk of arthritis, specifically in older pets. Arthritis triggers the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate, and the increased weight placed on them will put more strain on their joints, causing the bones to rub together more intensely, which can intensify their pain. The veterinarian can recommend pain medications, but losing weight can significantly help alleviate 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 contribute to body odor and hair loss. Overweight cats struggle with grooming themselves, which results in their fur and skin looking unhealthy. The infection can usually be treated with proper veterinary treatment from the Clovis animal hospital; however, the conditions will undoubtedly continue unless they lose weight.
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 detox its own body and flush out toxins due to fatty liver. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it may cause numerous life-threatening health issues and need immediate medical attention. You can check out web pages like fphclovis.com to get additional information on how wellness plans play an important role in your pet’s well-being.
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 count 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 particular recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. So you’ll have longer years together, and your pets will be happier and healthier.
