As pet parents, we love to spoil our pets. We feed them a little too much or overdo it on the treats. Unfortunately, all those extra calories can result in an overweight pet. Over 60% of cats and 56% of dogs are rated as clinically overweight by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. On October 13th, we celebrate National Pet Obesity Awareness Day to highlight how extra weight causes health issues for pets.

How Obesity Affects Your Pet

Overweight pets have a shorter life expectancy than their slimmer counterparts. That extra weight makes them more prone to develop the following conditions:

•       Arthritis

•       Cancer

•       Heart problems

•       High blood pressure

•       Kidney disease

As you can see, the exact health problems obesity causes in humans affect our cats and dogs. That is why it is essential to watch Fido or Fluffy for signs of obesity and, if needed, take action to help them slim down to a healthy weight.

How To Tell if Your Pet Is Obese

The next time you are petting your cat or dog, make sure you can feel their ribs through the fur. Then, when you look at them from the side, check to see if the stomach is tight and not sagging. Lastly, take a look at their body from above to determine if you see their waist. If you said no to any of these physical tests, your pet is overweight.

A trip to the veterinarian gives you a correct diagnosis of your pet's weight. Maintaining annual check-ups for your pet helps the veterinarian identify when your cat's or dog's weight gets higher than average and helps you take action immediately to remedy the problem.

How To Celebrate National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

You can celebrate National Pet Obesity Awareness Day by checking to see if your pet is overweight and taking proactive steps to help them slim down. Here are a few tips to be aware of:

•       Give your pet the recommended amount of food

•       Avoid giving your pet table scraps

•       Walk your dog daily and play with your cat a few times a day

•       Switch to healthy treats

Watching for increases in the weight of your dog or cat and taking steps to help them slim down will keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.

The Pet Hospitals of Hawaii are your trusted partner in maintaining a healthy weight for your pets. Schedule an appointment today for an evaluation of your pet's overall health.