If Rover or Kitty looks like they’ve been inflated with a bicycle pump, perhaps it’s time to look in the mirror and ask yourself if this might be the right time for the entire household to upgrade to a healthier lifestyle.
Pet obesity is on the rise
A recent U.S. study by the Association for Pet Obesity prevention found that approximately 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs were overweight or obese. For both humans and pets, weight can cause a number of health problems like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and kidney disease, not to mention the medical costs associated with treatment.
Maybe you’re saying, “Wait a minute, my pet is not obese, just big-boned!” How do you know? Sometimes it’s hard to be objective because you see your pet every day. Observe your pet with a critical eye: Have they ‘lost’ their figure? Are you unable to feel their ribs? Is your pet always begging for food? Are they easily exerted by physical activity? If the answer is, “Yes,” here are a few tips to help your pet lose weight.
Just like humans, it comes down to the number of calories and the amount of exercise.
Measure food properly
Many pet owners ‘guesstimate’ the amount of food; so first things first: use a measuring cup, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and maintain a regular feeding schedule.
Limit table scraps
If you’re in the habit of regularly feeding your pet table scraps, adjust their regular pet food accordingly. Or, instead of feeding them heaps of human food, just sprinkle their regular food with a few choice pieces. Refrigerate the remainder of scraps and continue doing this through the week until all the scraps are gone.
Exercise daily
If possible, take your dog on one or two walks daily: a short 15-minute walk in the morning and a 45-minute walk after work, or vice versa. If your cat is indoors most of the time, schedule regular playtime using toys like laser pointers or a piece of string.
Choose healthy treats
Tartar-control treats help your pet’s dental health, or try carrots, green beans, celery, broccoli, cucumbers, sliced apples and bananas. These foods are just as nutritious for pets as they are for humans. If you’re making something with salmon or tuna, give a little bit to the cat as a special treat.
Take good care of yourself and your pet
In terms of healthy weight for both pets and humans, it means making a conscious decision that you’re both worth it, and then making it a priority. Do a little research and gradually add health-enhancing habits (healthier food, regular walks and exercise) to replace the less desirable ones (junk food, TV-watching).
Like most good habits, build them into your routine little by little until they become part of your regular lifestyle – both you and your pet will be healthier and happier for it.