Let’s be honest – we all love a chubby pet (more to cuddle, right?). But an overweight pet, may not be a happy pet. Obesity in both cats and dogs can cause health problems, much like with us humans! Looking after your pet’s weight is important to avoid issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
So, if you’ve noticed your pet is packing on the pounds, take a read on how to help below!
“I’m just big-boned!”
First, is your pet overweight, or are they just standing in front of a carnival mirror? Whilst a quick trip to the vet is always to best way to tackle this question, there are also some hints that your pet might have uh… let themselves go.
Dogs:
- Difficulty feeling ribs
- Sagging waist
- Trouble walking long distances
- Easily out of breath
Cats:
These signs will be the same for the above, including:
- Difficulty feeling spine
- Struggling to jump
How to help your pet lose weight
- Visit your Vet
Though there might not be a local Slimming World to take your pet to, your vet will happily help give you advice on what weight your pet should be, and any dietary changes that you can make.
Visiting your vet can also help you rule out any thyroid conditions or gut issues that might be making it a little harder for your pet to maintain their beach bod.
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- Assess their meal plan
Find food that suits your pet. If your pet isn’t as active, a low calorie diet will be much better for them as they’re not burning them all away!
Having a regular mealtime can help stop overeating and will get your four-legged friend into a routine. This might be hard at first (especially if your pet is vocal!) but keep it consistent and they’ll soon be back to their slimmer self.
- Cut down on treats
Everyone loves snacking, and your pet is no different! Treats should only take up around 10% of your pets diet, but if you’re feeding your pet a slice of cheese every time the puppy-dog eyes come out, then you have found your problem.
Try switching to low-fat, natural treats and slowly dial them back. If your pet starts begging or meowing, try giving them attention in other ways.
- Get them knees up!
Yeah, we know, exercise sucks! Who wouldn’t rather chill on the sofa than go for a gruelling walk, or roll around on the floor with a catnip wand? But having a pet brings the responsibility of keeping them fit and healthy.
Your dog should be getting walked for 15-30 minutes daily, depending on their size. If you have a larger dog, try to take them out for an hour or so every day.
Introduce some new toys to your feline friend or join in with them at playtime to get them even more excited! Cats are natural hunters, so laser pens or wands are great for keeping them active.
Not only does walking/playing with your pet keep them in good shape, but it is also a great way to bond with them!