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DID THE HOLIDAYS MAKE YOUR PET PUDGY? Linda
Juergens, CVA Is your pooch pudgy? Is your feline fat? Were there just too many tasty treats over the holidays? Pet
obesity in the US is a growing problem. Dogs who are 20% or more above their ideal
weight is obese. For a dog weighing 50
pounds, a weight gain of 10 pounds would be a 20% gain. Three extra pounds on a cat is like 40 extra
pounds on an average human.
Overweight dogs and cats have a higher incidence of disease such as, heart and lung disease, diabetes and arthritis. They are at an increased risk for complications should they need to be anesthetized for surgery. Overweight pets can also have problems with their skin. Some problems occur more in specific breeds. Dachshunds, with their long backs, are very prone to spinal disease and being overweight can put additional strain on their backs causing bulging or ruptured discs. Being overweight puts additional strain on the hips of larger dogs.
If you are not sure if your pet is overweight, put your hands on the ribs with your thumbs over the spine. If you can easily feel the ribs, then your pet is probably a healthy weight. If the ribs are difficult to feel, your pet may be overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs at all your pet may be obese. Ask your veterinarian for a weight assessment of your pet. The
two main causes of this growing problem are too much food and too little
exercise. Our pets enjoy being couch
potatoes just like we do. A 10 pound cat
needs about 180 to 200 calories a day and a 50 pound dog needs 700 to 900
calories a day.
A popular brand of dry dog food contains approximately 365 calories per cup and 378 calories in a 13 oz can. One of the pouch varieties of food contains 90 calories in a 3.5 oz pouch. A popular brand of dry cat food contains 493 calories per cup and 167 calories in a 5.5 oz can. A large Milk Bone has 115 calories. In the fight against the “battle of the bulge”, use an accurate measuring cup, divide the total daily allowance into two meals and watch out for treats. Also exercise is vital to everyone’s health. For more information regarding nutrition and weight control, contact your veterinarian.
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