Most people don’t know what a healthy dog or cat looks like, as we see so many that are overweight. That becomes our “normal”. We also feel guilty for restricting our pets’ feeding frequency and amounts when we won’t restrict our own calorie intake.
We love to give treats to pets. Their reactions are so cute, and we love to see them excited and happy.
What we forget is that we are really killing them with kindness. Obesity in animals causes the same health problems as in people. Diabetes rates are increasing. Pancreatitis, heart disease, joint disease, additional stress on the whole body all are a result of obesity.
It isn’t just pet owners. We converted our medical records for our canine and feline patients to computerized records. I can’t begin to guess how much time and ink we cumulatively wasted over 35 years writing “overweight” when the technical word would have had more import: “Obese”.
Ideally, you should not see your pet's ribs, but be able to easily feel them. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian when your pet goes for a visit.