In the whole realm of our lifestyle is the important realm of our pets health.Today we have the enigma of obese and overweight pets affecting the quality of their lives. In the last few decades not only have human beings gotten "bigger" , pets are also increasing in size. It seems that there's more to it than just the puppy chow that's being fed to obese pets of obese and overweight pet owners. It is almost as if they reflect the very essence of their owners in what they eat, how they consume higher numbers of calories and do less and less activity!
It is now reported by pet and veterinarian authorities (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Chow Hounds, and http://www.thepetcenter.com/ ) that approximately 51.5% of cats and dogs in the USA are either obese or overweight! The pets , again just like their owners, are presenting with several chronic illnesses that ratchet up the cost of veterinarian healthcare just as human obesity raises the cost of healthcare.
Some of these diseases that pets are developing seem to be related to their obesity and overweight status similarly to the ones caused by human obesity such as: type 2 and type 1 diabetes, respiratory diseases like asthma, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases , arthritis, lowered immunity, skin and hair problems as well as digestive diseases.
A PET AND PET OWNER HEALTHY REGIMEN
Pets and pet owners both have to get in shape together. Just like with humans, pets need a regimen based on wellness, prevention, fitness, nutritional support and nutritional supplements. Most pet owners of obese pets do not and will not realize or recognize their pets as obese or overweight and will persist in over-feeding them with numerous snacks chocked full of dangerous harmful calories. It is snacks that are raising the level of obesity more today , anywhere from 50 calories or more in bacon snacks, cheese snacks and others add extra "carbs" and fat to the pets diet.
This doesn't mean you have to stop giving your "smart" , obedient and faithful friend snacks, but experts say that treats shouldn't be more than about 10% of the total calories daily in their diet. A ten pound cat doesn't need more than about 300 calories a day and a 40 pound dog needs no more than 1000 calories a day.
ALTERNATIVES FOR OBESE PETS
It would be nutritionally advisable to give pets crunchy veggies like baby carrots, cucumbers or celery. Liver Biscotti is another one. Prevention comes in with avoiding peach pits, apple seeds, onions, and left over steak even. One must try to give your pets meats that have had the fat trimmed off of it. Try adding more veggies, non-fat yogurt or egg white to their diet. Low fat or no fat cheese is another alternative to consider. Read the labels and look out for fillers like corn as a prime ingredient , also. Remeber that many pet foods have many artificial fillers that are absolutely useless for your pet! Avoid chocolate, avocados and sweetners. Cat owners pay attention to tuna snack caloric intake especially!
MORE FOOD CONSIDERATION FOR THE PETS
Pet authorities recommend lamb ears and cow ears along with dried beef liver, fresher meats and veggies. Avoid the artificially processed foods altogether. Even chow you mix at home with chicken and brown rice, egg white and vegetables are probably better more often than not than what you get in some stores.
ACTIVITY
Many of our pets are not getting adequate activity . If you are not working out , chances are your pet isn't either. A simple walk will do. But, some pets will run for a thrown ball, a ball or yarn and even a frisbee, too! Some animals like to swim, good luck with your cat , though! Go to a park that also includes a pet park or course where they can "workout" with you. Build the relationship with your animal and build its confidence up with activity as it gets into shape with you.
SUPPLEMENTS
Veterinarians and pet authorities are recommending your pets to be given supplements such as multi-vitamins and antioxidants just like for you!
PET COUNSELING
Sometimes animals can get stressed out just like their owners and require a pet nutritionist or psychologist to re-direct and get back on track again. Animals reflect their owners in more ways than one. Watching and learning their behaviors and their weight may tell us more about ourselves than we imagine.
Learn more on how you can improve your lifestyle more to include your pets at http://www.tgx360.com/
Dr. Marcus Wells, MD, MPH is a previous Clinical Associate from the National Institutes of Health at the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute(NIH/NHLBI). Dr. Wells holds a master's degree in Public Health from Emory University and has served in the Health & Human Services(HHS), Public Health Service(PHS) , and Commissioned Corp.
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