A couple extra pounds may not sound like much, but for your pet, it could be deadly. You could be killing your pet with kindness by giving extra treats, table scraps, or extra food. The added weight causes damage to the organs, bones, and joints. Some damage may not be able to be undone with diet and exercise. Lakewood, CA residents turn to Dr. Jose Arambulo and the staff at Bloomfield Animal Hospital for education on good nutrition for pets.
Animals need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise. It is estimated that over 45% of dogs and 58% of cats are overweight. The longer the animal carries excess weight, the more substantial the damage is to the body. Conditions that may result from excess weight include:
- Decreased stamina
- Difficulty breathing
- Heat intolerance
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Liver disease
- Increased risk of cancer
Watch for changes in your pet
When you see your animal every day, you may not notice extra pounds until the animal begins to slow down. You can check your animal without stepping on the scales. While playing with your pet, feel its midsection while it is standing. You should be able to feel the ribs and spine easily. If not, speak with your veterinarian about a weight loss program.
Minimizing the damage
At Bloomfield Animal Hospital, we focus on prevention first. However, if your pet does become overweight, we may recommend dietary changes. It is important to feed your pet quality food. We will help you select the proper type of food based on your pet’s age and health conditions. We will work with you to create an ideal diet for your pet.
Contact Dr. Arambulo and Bloomfield Animal Hospital to protect your pet’s health. (562) 383-7788
