Know the causes of obesity in pets and learn how to avoid it

Obesity in humans has become one of the biggest public health problems, as it is a risk factor for several diseases. This painting is also affecting pets and has already become the most frequent and worrying health problem among domestic dogs and cats. In the United States, a survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2018, reveals that 55.8% of dogs and 59.5% of domestic cats are overweight or obese.

Obesity risks

That illness it is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, above what is considered normal for your body size and type (physical constitution) and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. In addition, obesity is a risk factor for several other pathologies, especially cardiovascular and respiratory problems, and also predisposes to joint pain.

Causes of obesity in pets

Love food, sedentary lifestyle, castration and genetic predisposition are among the main villains of overweight. However, experts point out tutors as the main culprits for obesity in pets. “The main cause is a wrong diet added to a sedentary lifestyle. However, some diseases such as hypothyroidism, common in dogs, and adrenal gland disorders also lead to obesity,” adds veterinarian Dr. Luiz Fernando Ferreira.

How to prevent obesity in pets

In the case of poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary for tutors to regulate the animal’s food intake and encourage the practice of physical activity. According with the doctor. Luiz Fernando Ferreira, using the feed according to the age and type of life of the animal and doing physical exercise are essential measures. “For dogs, [é indicado fazer] a 20- to 30-minute walk; for cats, having toys and climbers that stimulate the movement”, recommends.

Human food care

The veterinarian adds that perhaps the biggest mistake of the tutors be watching the weight gain in pets and doing nothing. “The first step would be to go to the veterinarian, get information and perform tests”, he warns. Another mistake is to give food as a reward, such as cheese, bread, sausages and others.

The Doctor. Luiz Fernando Ferreira guarantees that giving human food for animals it is not a wrong attitude, quite the contrary, there are excellent recipes for them. But for that, tutors should cook especially for domestic animals, without seasonings and condiments that are often used in our cuisine.

“We must remember that the feed is a benefit of the industry to make it easier for the owners. If anyone wants to cook for their pussy or houndo, no problem at all, just one more housework. There are excellent recipes on specialized websites”, he emphasizes.

It is wrong to give some types of food, such as snacks, pizza, bread, sausages, among other foods that do not have the necessary nutrients for the animal’s health and may also contain substances that harm their organism.

Attention to the amount ingested

Tutors should also be aware of the amount of food to be ingested by the pet. Steaks and biscuits, for example, should not be offered freely. “I always recommend giving a small portion and observing any adverse reaction such as allergy, possible vomiting or diarrhea. Since the little animal has not had any alteration, it must be used according to the manufacturer’s recommendation”, says Dr. Luiz Fernando Ferreira.

The feed itself should also be consumed in moderation. “Dog food must be [oferecida] two to three times a day, following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Never leave the dog food unattended. already the catsthey always have to have food at ease, but with a good sense of quantity in the bowl”, teaches the veterinarian.

Relationship between neutering and obesity

the dogs and bitches castrated are more likely to become obese due to a lack of sex hormones. The disorder is more frequent among females, who stop producing hormones that act to inhibit appetite.

In the case of males, the removal of the testicles interrupts the production of androgen hormones, important to encourage them to move. Us cats neutered, the risk of becoming obese is three to four times greater. In general, males are more affected by metabolic issues.

However, Dr. Luiz Fernando Ferreira guarantees that for there to be an accumulation of fat there has to be energy left in the balance of diet and exercise. Therefore, the condition can be reversed with an appropriate diet – there are specific feeds for neutered animals – and regular physical activity.