Causes of obesity in animals

Obesity

Obesity is a widely spread disease that can affect not only humans, but animals as well. It is manifested by fat that appears in big quantity. Obesity is a disease that can endanger the health of an animal, thus leading to other life-threatening problems. Pets can develop obesity, but in very rare cases. According to the statistics that are gathered by RSPCA, millions of animals worldwide have obesity issues. It is a problem that can be prevented, so that suffering and pain of animals are avoided.

The causes of obesity development in animals are very similar to causes of obesity in people. Some diseases can lead to obesity, but the main cause is their diet. If they are inactive and their food is full with carbohydrate, obesity inevitably occurs. Some studies revealed that between 22 and 44% of dogs are overweight or obese. Some pets are more predisposed to developing obesity than the others. Factor that have influence on obesity include breeds of dogs, their age, neuter status, their gender, and their owner. Obese people are more likely to have obese dogs, because they can’t take care of their own diet and physical activity. Obesity of other pets is also affected by similar factors.

Obesity carries along risks for your pet’s life as well. Medical conditions that are considered as the most severe and appear due to the obesity are diabetes mellitus, orthopaedic disease, heart disease, respiratory distress, high blood pressure, skin diseases, and cancers. All of these conditions are very sever and may lead to fatal results.

Prevention

There are things that you can do in order to prevent your pet from becoming obese, and this refers to health checks at the vet, feeling of the pet’s waist, seeing of his ribs through the fat and hair, and tucked up belly when you are observing him from the side. If you fail to notice these things in your pet, then you should take him to the vet and he will recommend what the best method for weight lost in your pet is. It is important to take good care of your pets, not letting them develop obesity, and providing them with healthy diet so that they could be with you as much as possible, and bring joy in your life with their presence. When we took them, we made a commitment to take care of them and love them.