Understanding Health Issues Related to an Overweight Pet
When faced with the loving gazes of our four-legged companions, pet owners may find it challenging to resist the temptation to reward them with food. However, too many treats or overstuffed food meals may harm your pet’s general health and well-being. According to studies, more than half of dogs and cats in several nations are obese or overweight. Obese pets are more prone to suffer from a wide range of health issues that shorten their lifespans and compromise their quality of life.
Various Health Risks of Pet Obesity
Obesity has a significant adverse effect on a pet’s health. Excess weight in pets is becoming a major health concern for our companion animals, especially dogs and cats. It is a condition that their owners only seldom acknowledged as an actual problem. Although some people find it endearing, it poses a severe health risk.
Caring for our pets is a responsibility that falls squarely on our shoulders as pet owners. On top of that, getting a dog wellness exam will undoubtedly help check for any underlying issues with pet obesity. Here are some possible health risks that overweight cats and dogs may experience.
Heart and Breathing Problems
Heart disease and high blood pressure are two of the many side effects of being overweight. It is also associated with breathing problems. Overweight canines are more likely to have tracheal collapse and laryngeal paralysis. If left untreated, these airway conditions may progress to a respiratory crisis, which can be fatal for pets. If your pet is showing signs of breathing problems, have them examined by a Clovis vet immediately to assess your pet’s condition.
Arthritis
One of the most common problems with obesity in pets is the risk of arthritis, especially in older pets. Arthritis causes the cartilage in the joint to weaken, and the increased weight placed on them will put additional strain on their joints, causing the bones to rub together more intensely, which can intensify their pain. The veterinarian can recommend pain medications, but losing weight can significantly help alleviate some of the discomforts. If your pet requires surgery because of arthritis, you can ask your veterinarian for more info about the procedure.
Infections and Skin Diseases
Obese cats and dogs typically have extra skin folds, which may lead to bacterial infection. The irritation causes your pet to scratch, lick, and bite the affected area, worsening the condition and resulting in body odor and hair loss. Overweight cats struggle with grooming themselves, which causes their fur and skin to look unhealthy. The infection can usually be treated with appropriate veterinary care from the animal hospital; however, the conditions will undoubtedly continue unless they lose weight.
Liver Disease
Overweight pets’ organs and systems have to work harder to keep up with their increased metabolism. The pet’s overworked liver may no longer be able to detox its own body and clear out toxins because of fatty liver. When the liver isn’t operating properly, it may cause various life-threatening health problems and require immediate medical attention.
As a Summary
The issue with our pets being overweight is not only physical; excess weight causes or worsens various severe medical problems. Our animal companions count on us to make wise choices on their behalf. Ensure that you feed your pet according to suitable nutritional recommendations and not based on good advertising or a low price. Consult your veterinarian for particular recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. So you’ll have longer years together, and your pets will be happier and healthier.
