Plan A Healthy Lifestyle For Your Pet!

Too much weight, or obesity, is a common medical condition affecting dogs as well as cats. Studies have revealed that across all nations more than 30 percent of pets are obese. Of course we understand that when human beings are obese they suffer health issues. The same is true for pets; too much weight causes serious health issues in pets including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Overweight pets can suffer from torn ligaments and joint problems also, which lead to extensive pain.

Depending upon the breed of the pet you can determine their ideal weight. A few extra pounds may not seem like much to you, but they will surely make difference in the well-being of your pet. It is essential as a pet owner that you keep an eye on diet and exercise as well as optimum weight. The average weight of a cat is from eight to ten pounds and a dogs weight will of course depend upon breed and size. To find out the ideal weight for your pet, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Determine if your pet is obese and why-

To determine whether your pet is overweight, consult your veterinarian. While visiting the vet, you can check to see if there are lab tests that might reveal a medical reason for your pets excessive weight. If the pet is older, weight gain reduced physical activity may account for a weight gain as metabolism is slower. After receiving advice, examine the diet you routinely give your pet.

While at home just monitor the pets weight by their ribs, if you can easily feel the rib cages then certainly they are not overweight. However, if you have to press their side ribs, they have increased weight, spotting your pets waist is also great idea; their body should be slender when you look from the end of the ribs to the hindquarter.

Make wiser decisions-

It is quite important that you are aware of what is essential for a particular pet and a particular breed. Dogs have versatile temperaments, activity levels, health and grooming needs etc, all these differ according to their breeds. Before you bring a pet home, make sure the pet breed suits your lifestyle. If you go by looks alone, it can lead to unanticipated problems.
Ask yourself if are you ready for a pet or not; do you have enough time, money, the right living situation and level of commitment to give the pet a happy home. Puppies and kittens eventually grow up and live a life span of 15 years or more, and during that time they need to be well fed, exercised and treated with utmost love and affection. Regardless of the pet you choose, make sure you can give them the right pet nutrition and clean water. Serve them right and keep enjoying their happy company!