Is it possible you”re loving your pet to death? Veterinarians and animal hospitals across the country have their eyes on a (literally) growing problem they say has as much to do with pet owners as it does the pets.
Pet obesity is the single most common health risk encountered by vets in Columbus and Lowndes County, with roughly 40 percent of dogs and cats qualifying as overweight or obese. Anecdotally, local vets estimate the number has risen by 25 percent over the past 20 years.
There are a variety of explanations for the trend, and most can be traced back to pet owners. Dogs and cats are natural scavengers and instinctively eat whenever the opportunity arises, but few roam free to find food.
Dr. Bonnie Blake of Boswell”s Animal Clinic in Columbus believes stronger bonds between owners and their pets manifests at feeding time.
“People might use feeding their pets as a vent for their emotional needs. They view their pets as equal and want them to eat what they eat or as often as they eat. That”s not how God designed the dog,” said Blake.
Obese pets are susceptible to problems such as arthritis and heart disease, but extreme cases can produce diabetes or even a stroke. Although most obese pets can be cured with a strict diet and exercise, not all are reached in time.
“I had a lady who brought me a 28-pound cat with a heart designed for an 8-pound cat,” recalled Dr. Jim Dowdle of the Animal Medical Center in Columbus. “She said (the problem) just started. I told her ”No, ma”am. It did not. This cat is not going to make it.””
The cat never saw its 8th birthday.
Teressa Williams” 9-year-old Labrador Gracie Mae was never on the brink of a stroke, but began experiencing problems when her weight topped out at 90 pounds.
“She got to the point she couldn”t get up in the car. We had to boost her,” said Williams. “She sleeps on our bed, so getting up on our bed was difficult for her, too.”
With Blake”s help, Williams got her dog on a strict diet and eventually shaved 25 pounds off her pet. Prior to that, she admits she and her family “pretty much let her have what she wanted.”
That included some table scraps — a definite no-no — and large, frequent helpings of dog food.
Now Gracie Mae gets one measured cup of dry dog food in the morning and another in the evening.
With diet and exercise, courtesy of playing fetch and wrestling with the Williams” other dog, Gracie Mae is back to her target weight for her age.
Keeping your pet healthy
If you”re wondering whether your dog is overweight, there are a few loose guidelines you can use to get a better idea. Dr. Michelle Foreman, of the Animal Clinic of Columbus, says you should be able to see your pet”s ribs.
“People tend to think (their pets) are too skinny when they”re the right weight,” Foreman added.
Looking at your dog from a bird”s-eye view, the dog should have an hourglass shape with a pronounced waist.
If you”re still not sure if your animal has a weight problem, a vet can weight them and tell you if they”re too heavy. In that case, the vet will likely advise you to feed your pet a precisely measured quantity of dry food once or twice a day.
Again, human food is off limits and exercise is a plus. Walking, jogging and swimming are all good, but must be introduced slowly.
Vets also recommend quality dog food for its nutritious value.
Granted, the good stuff may cost you a little more, but the cost of caring for an obese pet can double your feeding budget if you have to add a specialty food or $50-$75 a month for arthritis or heart medication.
And don”t worry about your dogs experiencing discomfort due to the reduced portions. Odds are they”ll handle it better than you will.
“We have a big issue with client compliance,” said Blake. “We don”t like to diet so we don”t think our animals want to.”
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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