When faced with the caring gazes of our four-legged companions, pet owners may find it challenging to resist the temptation to reward them with food. However, too many treats or overstuffed food meals might harm your pet’s general health and well-being. According to studies, more than half of dogs and cats in various nations are obese or overweight. Obese pets are more prone to suffer from a wide range of health issues that reduce their lifespans and compromise their quality of life.

Various Health Risks of Pet Obesity

Obesity has a significant negative impact on a pet’s health. Excess weight in pets is becoming an increasingly major health issue for our companion animals, especially dogs and cats. It is a condition that their owners only rarely acknowledged as a real problem. Although some individuals find it endearing, it poses a severe health risk. Caring for our pets is a duty that falls squarely on our shoulders as pet owners. Here are some possible health risks that obese cats and dogs may encounter.

Heart and Breathing Problems

Heart disease and high blood pressure are two of the many adverse effects of being overweight. It is also associated with breathing problems. Overweight dogs are more likely to have tracheal collapse and laryngeal paralysis. If left untreated, these airway conditions may progress to a respiratory crisis, which can be deadly for pets. If your pet requires examination for heart disease or breathing problems, you can talk to your vet or visit them personally to assess the situation.

Arthritis

One of the most common issues with excessive weight in pets is the risk of arthritis, specifically in older pets. Arthritis triggers the cartilage in the joint to weaken, and the increased weight placed on them will put more strain on their joints, causing the bones to rub together more intensely, which can intensify their pain. The veterinarian can recommend pain medications, but veterinary surgery might be needed in the worst-case scenario.

Infections and Skin Diseases

Obese cats and dogs typically have extra skin folds, which may lead to bacterial infection. The irritation causes your pet to scratch, lick, and bite the affected area, can worsen the condition, and contribute to body odor and loss of hair. Overweight cats struggle with grooming themselves, which results in their fur and skin looking unhealthy. The infection can usually be treated with proper preventive care from the animal hospital; however, unless they lose weight, the conditions will continue.

Liver Disease

Overweight pets’ organs and systems have to work harder to keep up with their increased metabolism. The pet’s overworked liver may no longer have the ability to detox its own body and clear out toxins because of fatty liver. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it may cause numerous health issues that are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

As a Summary

The issue with our pets being overweight is not only physical; excess weight causes or worsens various severe medical problems. Our animal companions count on us to make wise choices on their behalf. Ensure that you feed your pet according to appropriate nutritional recommendations and not based on good advertising or a low price. Consult your veterinarian for particular recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. So you’ll have longer years together, and your pets will be happier and healthier.