When we’re talking dogs and cats, a lot of us think chubby’s okay, but is it really? Without a doubt, pets weigh more today. In 2018, a study found that in the United States 60% of cats and 56% of dogs would be classified as overweight or obese. More troubling is the fact that most pet owners aren’t aware their pets are fat.
The dangers of being overweight for your pet don’t differ much from the dangers of humans being overweight:
1. Type 2 Diabetes
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Breathing problems
4. Shortened life span (by 2.5 years)
The bigger problem is that pets don’t gain weight independently. The human mamas and papas of pudgy pets enable their excessive food habit. Outside of a Superbowl commercial, when’s the last time a pet opened the fridge and served herself snacks and a beverage?
It’s never too late for a healthy beginning, and the New Year presents the perfect opportunity for a new diet. Town N Country stocks several varieties of specialty pet food that can help. If you’re unsure how much food your pet should receive each day, or you’d like more information about pet nutrition, give us a call.
*Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) survey
