Obesity just as dangerous for pets as for humans

Val Cole, Special to the Vancouver Sun | http://www.canada.com
Published: Monday, September 08, 2008

You've probably heard the saying, "If your dog is overweight, so are you." Well, it turns out, it's true.

The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show that 36 per cent of Canadians meet the criteria for obesity and, according to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, 35 per cent of Canadian pets do, too.

Just as with humans, obesity in pets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other health complications.
"There are a variety of reasons why pet obesity is as commonplace as human obesity," says Dr. Diane Frank, Canadian animal behaviourist and president-elect, CVMA.

"It comes down to excessive caloric intake, behavioural issues, improper reward systems and an inactive lifestyle -- all which can apply to both pets and humans. The key difference, though, is that pets don't have control over the choices made for them -- that's the owner's responsibility and they need to be prepared to recognize and deal with the issue."

Feeding treats can have startling consequences. For example, a study by the International Journal of Applied Veterinary Medicine shows that if you feed a small dog one ounce of cheese, it's the same as you eating one and a half hamburgers or one and a half chocolate bars.

For a cat, that same ounce of cheese equals three and a half hamburgers for you.

If you enjoy giving your pet treats as rewards for good behaviour (they should never get one when they beg or demand it), it's important to factor it into the overall calorie count for the day and reduce the main meal accordingly.

You may be shocked to learn that eight extra pounds on your pet is the same as 30 button-popping pounds on you (based on 150-pound human and a 40-pound dog).

The good news is it's easy to spot if Spot is starting to get tight around the collar. By running both hands along each side of your pet, you should see and easily feel the ribs. As your hands pass the ribs, they should then come in slightly for a nice tuck in the waistline.

If the ribs are not visible and you have to press in to find them, your pet is in need of some urgent action.

Action is definitely the key word here. Your pet will benefit so much more from an activity treat than they will from food.

Frank says, "Behaviours that cause pet owners to respond with treats are often a pet's way of displaying the need for more positive attention and stimulation, which can be provided through exercise or play.

"Quality time will easily replace a treat any day."

Cutting calories is as important as increasing your pet's exercise level. Make sure you use a measuring cup when serving pet food so that you know you are following instructions exactly.

The raw food diet is a terrific way to get your pet's weight and health back in balance, but talk to an expert before switching food so that you know the ways to minimize tummy upset in the beginning.

If you choose regular food, make sure the "light" or "calorie reduced" food meets proper standards. Dry formulas must not exceed 3,100 kcal for dog food and 3,250 kcal for cat food per kilogram of food. Canned formulas must not exceed 900 kcal for dog food and 950 kcal for cat food per kilogram of food.

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