How to recognize and treat pet obesity
Obesity in pets is a growing problem in the United States. It can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes heart disease and joint problems. Fortunately pet obesity can be prevented and treated with proper diet and exercise. This article will discuss how to recognize and treat pet obesity.
Recognizing Pet Obesity
The first step in treating pet obesity is recognizing it. Pet obesity is defined as a body condition score (BCS) of greater than 7/9. A BCS of 7/9 means that the pet is overweight while a BCS of 8/9 or higher means that the pet is obese. To determine a pet's BCS a veterinarian will assess the pet's body condition by feeling the ribs spine and other bony structures.
Causes of Pet Obesity
Pet obesity is usually caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This can be due to overfeeding lack of exercise or a combination of both. Other factors such as genetics can also play a role in pet obesity.
Treating Pet Obesity
Once pet obesity has been recognized it is important to take steps to treat it. The most important step is to adjust the pet's diet. This should include reducing the amount of food given and switching to a lower-calorie diet. Exercise is also important as it helps to burn calories and build muscle.
Conclusion
Pet obesity is a growing problem in the United States. It can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes heart disease and joint problems. Fortunately pet obesity can be prevented and treated with proper diet and exercise. Recognizing pet obesity is the first step followed by adjusting the pet's diet and increasing exercise. With proper care pet obesity can be managed and prevented.