nubly
12-27-2005, 12:14 PM
as with kids, pets have no choice when they get overweight. take fido out for more walks and buy garfield some toys. and if your dog isnt used to people food, feed them some lettuce. they love that stuff
http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4283304
We often hear of the health problems linked to obesity in people. But dogs and cats can also suffer from being overweight. And a local veterinarian says pet obesity is a growing problem.
A fat cat is not necessarily a happy one. And if it's difficult to feel your dog's ribs, that could mean they're overweight. More and more pets, nearly 40-percent, are being clinically diagnosed as obese. Dr. Victoria Gable, with Pet Medical Center of Las Vegas, says overweight dogs and cats can suffer from type-2 diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Dr. Gable says, "Being obese actually shortens animals lives, which is no big surprise. It shortens people's lives as well. Some of the complications, especially things like diabetes can be detrimental to animals because it's a little bit more difficult sometimes to control diabetes in animals than it is for people."
An overweight pet may need a change in lifestyle starting with more exercise and a leaner diet. Animals that eat more people-food tend to gain extra weight more easily. Handouts from the table should include veggies.
Obesity in cats is not as easily understood or controlled as it is with dogs. But exercise and a low calorie diet can help the indoor feline stay trim and fit.
http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4283304
We often hear of the health problems linked to obesity in people. But dogs and cats can also suffer from being overweight. And a local veterinarian says pet obesity is a growing problem.
A fat cat is not necessarily a happy one. And if it's difficult to feel your dog's ribs, that could mean they're overweight. More and more pets, nearly 40-percent, are being clinically diagnosed as obese. Dr. Victoria Gable, with Pet Medical Center of Las Vegas, says overweight dogs and cats can suffer from type-2 diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Dr. Gable says, "Being obese actually shortens animals lives, which is no big surprise. It shortens people's lives as well. Some of the complications, especially things like diabetes can be detrimental to animals because it's a little bit more difficult sometimes to control diabetes in animals than it is for people."
An overweight pet may need a change in lifestyle starting with more exercise and a leaner diet. Animals that eat more people-food tend to gain extra weight more easily. Handouts from the table should include veggies.
Obesity in cats is not as easily understood or controlled as it is with dogs. But exercise and a low calorie diet can help the indoor feline stay trim and fit.