How to Prevent Pet Obesity
You love your furry family – and that also means you love to spoil them! Though extra treats and lots of cozy relaxation time make for a happy pet, they don’t always make for a healthy one. Whether your four-legged bestie is already a little chunky or you’re trying to avoid future weight-gain, use these simple tips to keep your dog or cat trim and in better health!
Monitor meal size
Just like humans, pets’ metabolisms differ with age. While younger pets may need more food to fuel their growing and active bodies, older furry friends may require a smaller meal-size to account for less activity. Most pet food packaging includes recommended portions based on age and size. Before your pet’s next chow time, double check to see if you may be over feeding. Please consult your veterinarian first before adjusting your pet’s portion size, or if you’re unsure what their portion size should be.
Prioritize play and exercise
While it’s good for your dog or cat to have plenty of relaxation, too much lounging can result in rapid weight gain. Just like with your own exercise routine, prioritize time for regular walks and playtime with your pet. When planning exercise, be sure it’s within your pet’s comfort zone. Older pets, puppies, and kittens tire quickly and can become exhausted with too much activity. Additionally, pay attention to the weather during pet playtime. Steamy summer temps and frigid winter weather can pose a threat to your four-legged friend’s health; always have a plan to keep your dog or cat active indoors.
Invest in the right food
Food portions aren’t the only thing that can impact your pet’s weight. Just like your human family, your pet’s dietary needs are unique to their own body! Often, generic foods (and many big-name pet food brands) do not offer the complete nutritional value pets need to maintain a healthy metabolism, resulting in reduced energy and weight gain. Many pet food manufacturers offer “sloppy seconds” as food sources (i.e. ingredients that are not human grade). When shopping around, check for brands that offer “nutritionally complete” food, have slim to zero recalls, and include human grade ingredients.
Keep an eye on the treats
Few things make your doggo or feline friend happier than a tail-wagging treat (which is why they sometimes enjoy more than they should). Just like human junk food, treats are often packed with not-so-healthy ingredients that can cause rapid weight gain. While there’s nothing wrong with an occasional reward, try to avoid overdoing treats.
Visit your vet
Though helping your pet shed a few pounds (or avoiding weight gain before it happens) is usually a matter of healthy eating and exercise, regular checkups are also a crucial component. Vets can help you start healthy routines that are beneficial to the unique physiology of your pet.
Remember, while weight loss is normally a good thing, a rapid decline in body fat is sometimes unhealthy – just like with us humans! Your vet can provide tools, resources, and insights that will help your pet safely lose weight without starvation or over-exhaustion.
AAA Pet Insurance provides care you can trust for the pets you love. In addition to protecting your furry family from unexpected accidents and injuries, we’re also proud to offer coverage that helps pet parents afford prescription pet food! To fetch a quick quote call your AAA insurance agent, insurance customer service at 1-866-209-8442, or visit your local AAA office.
Source: Companion Protect, companionprotect.com
