Obesity epidemic in pets

Especially in the over-indulgent West (particularly the US), it is not only humans that are suffering from obesity. This epidemic has now also spread to our most common pets - cats and dogs. The consumption of excessive amounts of carbohydrates and fats, and being sedentary, causes pets a host of secondary health problems. The obese patient is predisposed to life threatening bouts of disease of the pancreas, along with insulin dependent diabetes. Fat cats are especially prone to diabetes, comprising the biggest percentage of diabetic patients in small animal medicine.

Obesity also causes skeletal strain leading to spinal disc injuries, ligament tears and arthritis. Over-feeding your pet is not a gesture of love it is almost an act of cruelty and pet owners are solely responsible for and to their pets. As with good parenting, you, the pet owner has to keep the disciplinary boundaries, you are the adult and you are in charge. A dog for example, is exceptionally clever and a master of begging. He or she will soon establish how to get around the owner for more food and to be cute when sharing your cakes, chips or ice cream. Every act of weakness on your behalf could result in routinely giving in to your pet, which ultimately, could shorten its life and cost you a fortune in vets bills.

Should you choose not to offer your pet the quality of life it deserves by giving it a good, healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise, please expect the inevitable impact on your bank balance. Surgery to repair ligament tears or spinal disc herniations are expensive, as are trips to the hospital for pancreatitis and the insulin injections needed to manage his or her diabetes. Lets not forget that diabetic dogs and cats will be almost guaranteed to suffer with cataracts which in turn will probably lead to blindness. An obese pet will age quicker and will therefore suffer the pains of aging earlier.

Think about the treatment of your companion and try not to let your weakness become their early demise.