Weight problems are common in cats and dogs, and can be managed successfully through changes in food or a nutrition program. Combining a change in nutrition with increased exercise is the most effective way of achieving a healthy weight.
Exercise tips for cats
- Encourage your cat to follow you when you move from room to room, particularly up and down stairs
- Use toys to encourage your cat to play, or hide food and make him or her "hunt" for it
- Shine a flashlight on walls or floor for your cats to chase
Exercise tips for dogs
- Enjoy regular walks with your dog
- Walking at a constant pace will help burn calories
- Encourage play in the yard and in the home
- Toss a flying disc or a ball or play a retrieval game
Weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with lack of exercise but there can be other contributing factors too:
- Age: Older pets are less active, have less energy and require fewer calories
- Breed: Some breeds are more likely to gain weight. These include Labrador retrievers, Cocker and King Charles Spaniels and mixed breed cats
- Neutering/spaying: Clinical studies have shown that the basic metabolism of neutered pets is lower. Neutered pets actually require fewer calories.
- Medical problems: Very occasionally, weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment such as a low thyroid.
All pets have an ideal weight for their size and breed. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what this is, and show you how to check your pet is maintaining a healthy weight.
Source: normantranscript.com
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