HOW CAN OWNERS KNOW WHETHER THEIR DOG OR CAT IS OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE?
Photography source: Pet Obesity Prevention
Photography source: Pet Obesity Prevention
Count and feel for the ribs. You should be able to easily feel/count your pup's ribs when you lightly run your fingers across their side.
Look for the indentation. When you look down on your pet from above, you should see an hourglass figure or an indentation near the midsection. If your pet looks like a blimp from above, it’s carrying extra weight.
Spy that slope. When you view your pet from the side, you should see a slight tuck or upward slope of the tummy. If the abdomen hangs low and drags near the ground, that indicates the most dangerous and biologically active form of fat, abdominal fat, is present.
Photography source: Pet Obesity Prevention
IS MY PET AT RISK FOR A MEDICAL PROBLEM DUE TO EXCESS WEIGHT?
Dogs and cats carrying extra fat are at greater risk for developing debilitating diabetes, crippling arthritis, deadly high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of catastrophic cancer. You need to have a frank conversation with your vet to find out if your pet is potentially facing one of these conditions. If so, what can you do to cut those odds? The most important decision you make each day about your pet’s health is what you choose to feed it. Choose wisely; your pet’s life depends on it.
It’s never too late to reduce your pet’s chances of contracting one of these grim disorders. Early recognition and awareness is the best defense against many diseases. Ask the question.