Get Your Pet In Shape
Obesity in pets is a more common than you might think! It’s very important to watch what your pet eats and make sure that they are getting enough exercise. Just like humans they need a healthy diet as well as a regular active lifestyle. This video gives ideas on how to make sure your pets are getting enough exercise and eating right, and gives tips on how to tell if your pet is overweight. Humans aren’t the only ones who need to make sure they are staying in shape!
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Step 1:
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Pet Diet
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If your cat plods instead of pounces, and your dog waddles more than he walks, you're not alone. Obesity in pets is a very common problem. Often it is the pet owners to blame for their portly pals. If you have an unhealthy diet, your pet usually gets your left overs and all those extra pounds.
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Step 2:
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Obesity
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Some of the dangers of obesity in dogs would be primarily orthopedic problems, they're heavy, they have a harder time getting around, they're carrying around a lot more weight.
The average calorie need of a 20 pound dog is 690 calories. A moderately active dog should do well on 2 cups of dry food a day.
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Step 3:
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Treats
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Be careful with treats. They can add up fast. Two milk bones, a slice of pizza and a cookie, almost adds up to your dog's total calorie count for the day.
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Step 4:
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Testing
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If your pet does not overeat but still seems to pack on the pounds, it could be a thyroid problem. This can be checked by your veterinarian. There are a couple of quick ways to determine whether your cat or dog are a little too plump.
Take the spine for instance. You should have a thin layer of fat, and you should be able to feel the spine fairly pronounced. Or the ribs, you should be able to feel each rib individually with a thin layer of fat over top. If you cannot, chances are your pet is a little too fat.
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Step 5:
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Pet Dieting Tips
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Here are some tips to slim down your pet: Cut out all snacks until your pet reaches his optimum weight. Weigh your pets on a regular basis to monitor progress, and try feeding them less fatty foods. Substitute cookies with apples and cooked broccoli. Also, try to set a good example. It'll benefit your health and your pet's.
