In our homes there are more and more animals that are treated as family members. Dogs and cats are our faithful companions, friends, on which you can always rely. So we try to give them what we think is best for them - a good dry food or homemade food, treat them, take care as much as we can. Unfortunately, very often, our knowledge in the field of animal feeding is not complete and we can unknowingly harm our pet. Often the food from our table contains too much fat and calories, which leads to obesity, or, on the contrary, contains insufficient nutrients, causing various painful conditions. Animals like humans should function normally, thanks to a balanced, containing vitamins and minerals to the food source. Only so they have a chance of healthy development and an active, healthy lifestyle.
What is the correct weight of the animal?
Both cats and dogs have a concept of optimal weight, that is, when the animal feels well and its body works best. On about the weight of birds affects a lot - for example, the sex of the animal, age and health. If your dog or cat is under constant veterinary supervision, then each visit must be weighed so that you can control the weight of the pet. The doctor who observes the animal, can also give you individual recommendations, to urge you to depart from generally accepted standards. For example, veterinarians often recommend reducing the diet of dogs e suffering from hip dysplasia even if they have a normal weight, according to the table. In this case, the slimmer the dog, the better for its health. Create and maintain the optimal body weight for your pet and it's very important, so do not hesitate to seek help from a veterinarian.
Signs of obesity in dogs and cats
There are breeds that show a predisposition to obesity. In the case of dogs, they are an abrador retriever and with a paniel, and in cats this disease affects more often hybrids (mixed breeds). Obesity in dogs or dogs is immediately noticeable visually, although this is not always given due importance. However, it is worth intervening before the animal reaches a dangerous stage. In from what should be concerned about:
- If your dog does not eat it, or if the cat collar is too small;
- if you are petting an animal and do not feel its ribs;
- when looking at the animal from above, you do not see his waist;
- If your cat or dog becomes tired quickly, has difficulty breathing;
- if the pet has a sharp decrease in physical activity.
If you notice how oh-out of these signs your pet has his pet, contact a veterinarian who will assess his health and help in developing proper nutrition.
Causes of obesity in animals
Needless to say, the responsibility for the health of our pets lies with us - the owner ah. It depends on us, because, independently, the animal can nowhere to get a balanced diet and the ability to burn excess calories while driving. In some cases, the risk of obesity is increasing, for example, in old animals whose physical activity naturally decreases in animals after surgery (sterilization) and as a result of various diseases that interfere with the metabolism of y. In such cases, it is important to select the appropriate power system and arrange the dosed loads.
Diet for dogs and cats
If you find obesity in cats or obesity in dogs, there are all signs and prevention in time was not carried out, then you need to resort to a diet. If the doctor determines that your pet needs to lose weight, you must take an active part in this process. The first step is to buy a feed with a low fat content and calories, in which the components are selected so that the animal does not suffer from feelings and hunger. The second step is to increase physical activity, which is much easier in the case of dogs with whom we go for walks. It is enough to just increase the number of absenteeism and prolongation of their time, provided that the dog will move at a constant speed. In the case of cats who are not always ready to play, we must show great ingenuity. You can, for example, shine a flashlight on the walls and floor, thus encouraging the animal to run around the point of light. You should also use toys that will provoke a cat and hunt.
Stabilization of the normal weight a
As soon as you can help your pet to lose weight, you should make every effort to ensure that the situation with obesity is not repeated. The diet should be balanced, it is better to give food for animals with a metabolic disorder for a while. It is better absorbed and does not lead to the accumulation of fat. Gradually, you can return to the diet for healthy animals. Do not neglect physical activity, do not stop training. In animals, as well as in humans, it allows not only to maintain a healthy weight, but also to have excellent overall health. During visits to the veterinary clinic, you will be convinced that your pet maintains an optimal body weight.