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THE FAT FACTS : OBESITY IN PETS

Obesity is essentially a form of �malnutrition� . We normally associate malnutrition with a lack of food and poverty, but in the developed world it is an excess of food (and a concurrent lack of physical activity) that is leading to the obesity epidemics in humans and their pets.

Obesity can be defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body and there are a number of grading systems your veterinary surgeon may use to objectively assess your pet�s body condition. For example, a score of 1 to 9 is often used for dogs with 4 to 5 being ideal, 1 emaciated and 9 morbidly obese.

Medical problems associated with obesity in dogs and cats include:

- Lower urinary tract disease

- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) in cats

- Respiratory and cardiovascular difficulties

- Heat Stroke

- Skin disease

- Diabetes

- Arthritis

These medical problems can lead to a reduction in your pet�s quality of life and in some cases, such as heat stroke, may be fatal.

The first step in weight control is for your pet to have regular wellness examinations by your veterinary surgeon; an ideal time is at annual vaccination. As well as accurately weighing your pet and giving a body condition score, your veterinary surgeon can also identify if there are underlying medical conditions that may be a factor in your pet�s weight problem, for example hypothyroidism (low thyroid activity resulting in a slow metabolism).

The next step (once medical factors have been excluded) is to work out a dietary and exercise programme to help reduce/control your pet�s weight. This is perhaps the hardest step, as it requires the owner�s (meaning all family members who feed the pet) to be committed to a regular treatment schedule. Feeding and exercise are the owner�s responsibility! The weight reduction programme will usually involve a combination of both diet change and an exercise regime.

Ensuring your pet is not obese can help improve its life and yours too; giving you both the potential to live longer!

Chart is taken from

http://www.thedrakecenter.com/sites/default/files/BCS%20Canine.jpg

Source: https://www.facebook.com/SarawakSPCA/photos/a.176524749431.1..

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SPCA Sarawak

The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that animals, as living creatures, have value beyond economic measurement, and are entitled to legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection. The Sarawak SPCA's mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of animals and as an enforcer of their rights; to provide for the well-being of the animals of the State of Sarawak who are abandoned, injured, subjected to unfair or cruel treatment, or otherwise in need; to cultivate in the people of our community an awareness of the animals whose world we share; to promote a bond of mutual assistance between people and animals; and to instill respect for and appreciation of all living things.

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