National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Make sure your pet maintains a healthy weight on #NationalPetObesityAwarenessDay
12 October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. The day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about this issue and promote healthier diets for our pets.
Think about this for a moment … How much time do we, as humans, spend worrying about our own or someone else’s weight? Sometimes we take drastic measures to prevent or fight obesity – especially when it affects our health.
But what about our beloved furry friends? Believe it or not, pets also suffer from obesity and their health and weight should be just as important to us. Obesity not only impacts on the general health of our pets, it also reduces their overall quality of life and often interferes with daily activities and their enjoyment of things like playing ball and walking.
It is difficult to deny our pets the treats and food they constantly beg for – the delight and joy on their faces when receiving scraps from lunch or dinner is priceless – but by doing this regularly you cause more harm than good. The key to giving treats is simple – moderation. Although an extra treat or a little more dry pet food (often referred to as ‘kibble’) does not seem to be a problem, over time your pet will gain weight, and become obese. Obesity in pets can cause many other health problems such as Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure and in addition, your pet’s body will experience more stress which can cause bone and joint problems. An overweight or obese pet will be less active and may experience difficulty walking, playing or breathing.
To celebrate today, visit your local veterinarian and learn about your pet’s current weight, the ideal weight for its type/ breed and recommended foods. Limit the amount of treats given to your pet and seek out healthier pet treat options that are higher in nutritional value. Take your pet out for a walk, run or play catch with it. By prioritising your pet’s health, you ensure it will live a long and wonderful life.
Post on social media using #NationalPetObesityAwarenessDay.
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