Just like humans, overweight pets run a high risk of developing illnesses that shorten their lifespan. This guide will help you manage your pet’s weight issues.
Recent studies estimate that just over 50 percent of all pets in the United States are considered overweight or even obese. Being overweight can lead to diabetes, joint disease, respiratory problems, and more. But the good news is that with a little effort, you can keep your pet trim and potentially extend his lifespan by years!
1. Monitor Your Pet’s Intake
While creating an effective weight loss plan for a dog or cat isn’t easy, the formula for managing a pet’s weight is quite simple: If calories burned exceed calories consumed in food and treats, your pet loses weight.
Much of the difficulty lies in the fact that we’re often unfamiliar with our pets’ daily calorie requirements. What’s more, it’s hard for even the most conscientious pet owner to get accurate calorie information from some pet food labels. In addition, if multiple family members feed or give your pet treats, it can get even more complicated to monitor your dog or cat’s intake. But before you visit the vet, try and get a handle on the volume of food and treats your pet takes in during the day.
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