Obesity isn't a civilization problem concerning only humans but also pets. It is a condition where the body receives more energy than it expends. What is the main cause and how to deal with obesity in pets? Answers are provided in the following article.
Like owner, like dog?
This topic could make us wonder whether some animals might be more prone to obesity. According to experts, animals are unlikely to have any predispositions to obesity but there are species that are less likely to get obese than others due to their lifestyle and diet. "Animals that share their space mainly with humans suffer from obesity very often, for example some types of dogs, cats, or even guinea pigs. On the other hand, seeing an obese horse is more of a rarity. It is due to the animal's lifestyle and diet," says Martin Kváš, a nutritionist.
As he further explains, obesity is caused by an imbalance in energy intake and energy expenditure, which in reality means that the body receives more energy than it expends. The most common cause is a poor diet together with a lack of exercise.
How to approach pet obesity?
Key factors are, of course, diet and physical activity. This means that if we want our pet to lose weight, we must increase his physical activity with training or handling activities and support it with a suitable diet. Experts recommend choosing food with a lower energy content, which will cover the animal's needs without excess energy.
It is also a good idea to discuss the weight-loss plan with a nutritionist before you start, or read up on the ideal weight of your pet and choose a suitable type of food accordingly.
Simple rules for keeping your pet in shape:
Daily training
Going for walks together
Sports activities
Using the right type of food and also keeping an eye on the amount of treats given
Choosing meat-based treats with plenty of protein
Basically, the same rules apply as with weight loss in humans - forget starvation, but instead lose weight slowly, surely and within reason. Also do not hesitate to invest in quality food - the investment can save you the cost of vet bills in the future.
Sometimes, one dog is not enough and it is better to have a whole pack. Especially if you breed drafting (or also pulling) dogs. Of course, the more dogs you have, the more care and issues it means, but it also means there’s much more joy for the...
The modern world is not only rich in material things but also in the number of dog breeds. There are quite a lot of them, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes 360 different breeds. And they are not only different from each other when...
There are many ways to learn a new thing. One of the most pleasant ones for both the dog and its owner is positive motivation. Thanks to it, a dog learns new tricks in a simple and pleasing way and it also helps to develop a mutual social relationship...
Pregnancy is a difficult time for a bitch in all aspects. The body nourishes more organisms and it needs to be reflected in her energy and nutrient intake. A breeder, racer and sport cynology contestant, Jitka Duffková, gives advice on how to make...
You might be interested in this dog sport but you have many questions before you can decide to start with it. Will my buddy enjoy it? Do I have sufficient physical abilities? When should we start, isn’t it too soon or too late? This article and advice...
A healthy mouth is a very important part of the complex vitality of a cat and we shouldn’t neglect taking care of it. There are many oral diseases our furry friends can suffer from. What can you do to keep your cat’s teeth clean?
Korat is a very rare breed that isn’t very common even in Thailand – the country of its origin. Thanks to its beautiful, soft, silver-tipped hair as well as its special nature, it’s unmistakable. This breed definitely deserves some attention.
Have you ever thought about how the composition of the gut microbiota of your dog companion influences its mood, metabolism or immune system in addition to its digestion? Do you know how bacteria work in guts and how to keep the good ones inside?
Letting furious dogs with only one task – to detain and put you down – bite you is definitely not for everyone. But is it really as horrifying as it may look from the outsider’s point of view? Jan Böhm answers our questions about what it takes to be...
Snakes and scorpions are said to get out on Saint George’s Day. It has been a while since then, so it’s no surprise that we can see a lizard or a snake when on a walk somewhere or in our gardens. They already left their underground shelters designed...
The German Boxer can truly be called a versatile dog. With no doubts, it can be a family dog, a watchdog or a rescuer. It is also good at sports. A long-term boxer breeder, Ing. Michaela Martinů, can confirm that.
Bikejöring doesn’t mean that a dog simply runs next to a bike. The dog pulls the bike when doing this sport, it is similar to dog sledding. A famous Slovak musher, Marcel Dučák, will tell us what equipment you need for it, what dogs it is good for,...
