Obesity is the “number one killer” that threatens pet health, and most pets suffering from obesity are caused by pet owners. According to the academic definition, obesity is a nutritional disease caused by excessive fat in dogs and cats. So how do you know if your pet is suffering from obesity? Why do pets get sick? And how to prevent and treat it?

Determining whether a pet is obese

According to international standards, dogs and cats are generally considered obese if they exceed 10%-15% of their normal weight. Symptoms include thickening of subcutaneous fat, especially in the abdomen and sides of the body (just like people, the belly and waist are fattened first), plump and round body, wobbly walking, slow reaction, and unwillingness to move. International standards cannot be directly used by us, so experts have summed up a simple method. Pet owners can stroke the ribs of dogs or cats with their hands. If there is no obvious layering or cannot be touched at all, it is a sign of obesity. . Or the pet owner can stand behind the dog or cat (what a strange position!), press the thumbs of both hands on the midline of its back spine, place the other fingers on the ribs, move the hands back and forth, and if there is fat on the edge of the ribs, If there is obvious fat accumulation in the layer and groove, your pet may be too fat!

Causes of Obesity

Pet obesity is related to breed, age and gender. According to surveys, the probability of obesity in cats and dogs over 10 years old is about 60%, and females are more likely to suffer from obesity than males. Among dogs, pugs and Labradors, and among cats, short-haired cats, are all breeds prone to obesity. In fact, the main reason for obesity is the lifestyle of pets. For example, the owner indulges his pet too much in terms of diet and gives too many high-calorie foods. The pet does not get enough daily exercise. The owner does not walk the dog or play with the cat, and allows it to eat and sleep.

Prevention and control measures

First of all, you must pay attention to dietary management, change wrong recipes, and feed more low-fat, low-calorie, high-fiber foods. And feeding should be regular, use small amounts many times, never too many times. Another option is to increase the pet’s amount of exercise, take it out to play more, or play with it in the house to accelerate the pet’s calorie consumption and reduce fat synthesis. If your pet is already a "big fat man", be careful of pet heart disease and endocrine system diseases caused by obesity.

Many pet owners are otakus or otakus who do not exercise. Over time, pets and owners gain weight together. It is recommended that everyone take their pets out for exercise after work or on weekends. This not only prevents pets from becoming obese, but is also good for the health of pet owners. Moreover, it will be very happy when you take your pet out to play!