Keep Pets in Fit Form

Humans aren't the only creatures who need to fight the battle of the bulge. Pets can suffer from obesity, too, for the same reasons: decreased physical activity, age, increased caloric intake, and even genetic predisposition. The prevalence of obesity in dogs is between 22 and 40 percent, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

As with humans, packing on too many extra pounds can result in myriad health problems. Overweight dogs and cats may be predisposed to developing diabetes mellitus, for instance. Other potential health risks include decreased heat tolerance and stamina, increased dermatological conditions, decreased immune function, and multiple musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems, according to Craig Thatcher, D.V.M., Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, as well as a noted veterinary nutritionist.

So what do do if you suspect that your pet isn't just big-boned? "Veterinarians are the best resource to assist clients in designing a safe and effective weight-reduction program," says Thatcher.

Vets will work with you to design a weight-reduction program specific to your pet's needs-one that includes a balanced, restricted-calorie diet and an exercise regimen the animal can comfortably undertake, says Thatcher.

"Avoiding obesity is an important part of the overall wellness of an animal," he says. "Pets and their owners alike will enjoy a much higher quality of life when the pet maintains a healthy weight." ::Virginia Tech News

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