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.
Although I sometimes temporarily care of some brown rats, I still consider myself to be a beginner in brown rat keeping. In the beginning of this year, a white lab brown rat ended up in my temporary care. I noticed that Běluše (that’s how I called her...
It sits with great difficulties. It also looks like it is very painful. It seems that any contact of the tail and ground causes great pain. As well as any touch when I try to find out what’s wrong with its tail. We came back from swimming where our dog...
Summer fun begins now. And I can’t imagine a summer without our activities together with my dog. What about you? Plan where you and your doggie could spend time before the temperatures are scorching and not a single branch moves on trees and we all...
Some dogs are already born with sensitive digestion, at some it may occur later in life. Or an allergy for a component of the food they used to like and we considered as suitable may occur. For such cases, meat cans can be a great supplement of normal...
If you decide to head to the streets of your city during a hot summer day, remember that pavements you will be walking on are much warmer that the air. In general, I try to go out with my dog during hot summer days as least as possible but if we go...
That brown rats are social rodents and love and look for the closeness of not only other brown rats but also their owners is a well-known fact. They feel lonely and sad without any interaction
Weekend or holiday is here and you are thinking about what to pack? You definitely shouldn’t forget your first-aid kit. And also the one for your dog! Properly equipped first-aid kit is a must. If you are struggling with deciding what should be...
Our personal experience is what influences us most in our opinions. But if we don’t have it or can’t get it at least from a friend or family member, it is more difficult for us to imagine how living with a giant furry friend looks like. And if it comes...
The best option for living of a small rodent are big aquariums, plastic boxes or cages. And I don’t mean big as high but rather with as big area as possible. Hamsters are naturally running creatures and need enough space. Max has a space of the...
If you are going for your holiday by car, you may be considering bringing another passenger with you. Your dog can be a great companion, so you don´t want to leave it at home. However, your time off by the sea might hide various obstacles, starting...
Turkey, the homeland of angoras and Turkish Vans is almost cats’ paradise. Even though veterinary care is quite expensive here, also cats living outside are taken care of well. Even in large cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can encounter a lot of...
When I was a child, our dog changed my life. He taught me lifetime love for living beings but also responsibility, patience and caring for others. Scientist has found out those are not the only benefits the life with an animal has for children....
