Why It’s Best to Keep Your Companions Fit and Healthy

If your pet is carrying around some extra pounds, it’s no big deal, right? Actually, if your pet is obese or overweight, it could quickly lower his quality of life and cause a host of health problems. Further, your pet may suffer a shorter lifespan as well. Pet obesity is a serious issue. It’s smart to talk with a veterinarian about pet nutrition. Visit us at Ashworth Road Animal Hospital, serving West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, Urbandale, and other areas nearby.

Obesity Is a Big Deal for Animals

A pet’s body is meant to handle only so much weight. If your pet is overweight or obese, he may struggle to walk and move. His joints could be strained and under too much pressure owing to the extra weight. Obesity may increase the risks of arthritis and other issues.

Extra weight may strain a lot more than joints. Your pet’s heart may need to pump harder and faster to circulate blood. Breathing could alsoi be constrained and your pet may end up constantly out of breath.

Your pet may suffer from increased risks of diabetes as well, which is especially difficult to treat among pets. Renal disease among obese pets is also more common and could lead to complete kidney failure.

While humans can quickly communicate if something is wrong, your pet can’t. Instead, you’ll need to closely monitor your pet for symptoms of serious diseases. Even for a veterinarian, noticing these symptoms can be difficult without diagnostic testing.

Ultimately, overweight pets often require more veterinary care. Sometimes, your pet may require more expensive and extensive veterinary treatment. Not only is this a hassle for you and your pet, but it could also result in some hefty medical bills.

Roughly 50 million cats and 40 million dogs are at risk of weight issues. Braking bad habits, such as overeating, is hard once they form. Preventing bad habits and weight problems with proper pet nutrition is often easier.

Speak with our veterinarian at Ashworth Road Animal Hospital, serving West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, Urbandale, if you have questions about pet care and nutrition.