The headline in the news article caught my attention: “Half of the dogs in Britain will suffer painful and early deaths because owners let them get fat”. I read through looking for anything that was new about fat animals, and, while there really is nothing new, the headline IS correct and obesity in pets, just like obesity in humans, can cause major health problems.
The stats from this article are grim:
“Vet Sean Wensley said: ‘Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a serious health condition.
‘Ultimately, owners control their pets’ diets and exercise.’
The charity has surveyed the weight of dogs each year since 2006. Over that time, the proportion of obese pets has shot up from 21 per cent to 35 per cent.
If the trend continues, the PDSA estimates that nearly half of British dogs will be overweight by 2013 – putting them at risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and an early grave. “
So the trick is – what can you do if you’ve let your pet get fat? You have to do the same things you’d do if you let yourself get fat. Simple really.
1. Eat healthier
2. Eat less
3. Exercise more
4. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals to support your system as you lose weight.
No matter what anyone tells you…losing weight IS work. It’s work for you. It’s work for your pet. But instead of looking forward to the project and doing it together.
In the end you’ll both enjoy your lives much better and longer.
Linda
