As human obesity increases, pet
obesity is increasing as well. The Veterinary world figured out that the
epidemic in pets is connected to their owners because the bond between the two is
so close.
Professor Michael Day is the
chair of the One Health Committee established by the World Small Animal Veterinary
Association (WSAVA). He says, “The importance of studying the human-animal bond
is justified by reference to the benefit to human health and well-being from
association with pet animals. One of the key issues is obesity. Probably the
most important health issue of man and pets in Western countries is the shared
epidemic of obesity that is often directly related to aspects of this shared
lifestyle. We cannot hope to understand feline and canine obesity without also
knowing something about human obesity, the social status of owners, and the
relationships that humans actually have with their dogs and cats.”
According to the Veterinary
Record, in dogs and cats, as in people, a distinction is drawn between being
overweight and being obese. Being overweight can be defined as having a body
composition where the levels of body fat exceed those considered optimal for
good health. Obesity can be defined as being overweight to the extent that
serious effects on an individual’s health become likely.
In humans, the Body Mass Index
(BMI) is widely used as an assessment tool. However, it is solely based on a
person’s weight and height, which is not transferable to assessing dogs and
cats because of diverse breeds and body compositions. Therefore, the Body Condition
Scores (BCSs) was developed for both dogs and cats, which utilizes several
categories, ranging from emaciated to severely obese, based on specific
physical features.
Canine obesity studies in North
America, Europe and Australia revealed that 22% to 44% of pet dogs are
clinically obese. Although human obesity is caused by many factors such as
psychological and social problems like depression and anxiety, canine and
feline obesity is not suspected to be caused by the same issues.
Studies show that some dog and cat
breeds have a higher likelihood of becoming overweight or obese. However, what humans
and dogs and cats have in common is that higher levels of obesity occur from
over-eating and lack of exercise. The results are also similar, which are lack
of energy and higher chances of diabetes and cardiorespiratory disease. Dogs
and cats can also develop orthopedic and dermatological diseases, circulation
issues, urinary and reproductive disorders, neoplasia and complications when
under anesthesia.
So, how do you determine whether
or not your pet is obese? Take him/her to the vet and have an assessment done.
How do your solve the problem of
your pet being overweight or obese? There are many strategies to try. Pub Med
on NCBI online states, “Pet owner commitment, a proper feeding plan and regular
monitoring are the keys to a successful weight loss program. Treatment of obesity
involves caloric restriction and/or a diet change….the diet choice should be
tailored to the individual patient. Appropriate feeding management is equally
important.”
Maze bowls are widely used by dog
owners these days, which forces the dog to eat slower because he/she has to work
to get the food out of the bowl. Also, smaller, controlled portions are very
effective, which means you never leave the food bowl on the floor for random
grazing. Low calorie, high fiber, moderate to high protein, low sugar diets are
the healthy route and cut down on excessive fat gain.
Studies also show that many pet
owners use food to communicate with their pet. Using other ways to engage your
dog or cat, instead of using food, is much healthier for them. Outdoor
activities such as longer walks and extensive playtime are important in helping
your dog get fit and stay fit. For cats, carpeted towers, tunnel toys or wall
shelving specifically installed for cats to walk around on, provide an answer
to an otherwise, lethargic indoor life.
Making healthier choices for your
canine and feline kids adds more years to their lives, which adds more happy
companionship for you!
Love your pets with no regrets!
For further reading click here
And check out this webpage too:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22101449
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