Just as Americans are battling excess weight and lack of exercise, so, too, are their pets. According to the latest survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of America’s cats and dogs are overweight or obese.
An alarming trend is the increase of pets in the obese category since the survey’s inception four years ago. In 2007, the first year of the survey, 19 percent of cats were considered obese. That number jumped to 21.6 percent in 2010. For dogs, the number rose from 10 percent to 22.6 percent.
According to the APOP, an obese cat is comparable to a 5-foot-4-inch female weighing 276 pounds. For dogs, obesity is comparable to an adult male at 5-foot-9-inches who weighs 368 pounds.
Like their human counterparts, pets are increasingly afflicted with diseases such as arthritis, kidney failure, diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which can lead to decreased life expectancy. The solution to a healthy pet is the same as a healthy lifestyle for humans: Exercise and eat right.
Exercise
Owners can get started on their own healthy lifestyle by exercising their pets. Larger breed dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, the equivalent of two or three miles of walking. Smaller breeds require 15 to 30 minutes.
Exercising cats is a little more difficult, but they can be exercised by having them chase toys. If a home has stairs, encourage the cat to go up or down the stairs by placing the food bowl on another floor. Another way to exercise cats is to hide the food bowl so they have to hunt for it.
Stop super-sizing
Just as humans need to reduce the amount of food they eat, so, too, pets need to cut down on the number of calories consumed. Measure exact portions, don’t just fill a pet’s food bowl once a day. Check with a veterinarian to find out the amount of calories a pet needs because, as with humans, dietary needs vary at different times in life.
Snacks
Replace pet treats with healthy snacks such as carrots or no-sugar treats. If you do feed your pet treats, cut the treats in half.
Pay attention to numbers
Similar to a body mass index reading in humans, Banfield Pet Hospital has created a body condition score for pets. The BCS is an evaluation that rates pets on a score of one to five, with one being underweight and five being obese. Monitoring the BMI and BCS can provide feedback about the effectiveness of the exercise and nutrition program, for both the pet and the owner.
Creating a healthy lifestyle for one’s pet can go hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle for the owner, allowing both to live a healthier, happier life. What better way is there to take care of yourself, as well as man’s best friend?
How to tell if your pet is overweight
When looking at the pet from above, you should see a tapered waistline, not a broad, flat back.
When viewed from the side, the pet sould have a tucked abdomen. A hanging belly indicates excess fat.
You should be able to easily feel the pet’s ribs.
Cheryl Splain - Cheryl S. Splain
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