Why Is My Pet Fat?by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 04 Dec 2006 03:26 PM Good question, right? As I've confessed (repeatedly), I am the owner of a fat dog! You may not want to hear it, but humans are the main cause of obesity in pets. It is the owner's responsibility to watch caloric intake and use. This doesn't mean you are overfeeding your fat pet. Overfeeding is only one possible cause of obesity in pets. Let's look at some others!
- The pet's particular eating habits. Some animals will only eat what they need, and no more. My other dog Lally is like this. My Moose is another story -- he'll eat whatever's available until it is gone, and then beg for more.
- The type of food fed. Table scraps and soft, chewy treats can be very high in fat. Moose is restricted to dry, crunchy treats only -- they are lower in fat.
- The pet's activity level. A dog that lazes around all the time (like Moose) doesn't necessarily need a high-energy type of food. A working dog, on the other hand, needs the extra calories from high-energy food.
- Spaying and neutering can lower a pet's metabolic rate. In general, spayed and neutered pets need fewer calories than intact pets.
- Genetics. Certain breeds are more prone to carrying extra weight.
- Age. A senior pet is more likely to become overweight -- older pets tend to be less active.
- Stress levels. Yes, animals can be stress eaters! A move, a new person in the household, or a new pet in the family can give your pet stress. Animals in a multi-pet household may eat more because they feel the need to compete with the rest of the pack.
- Boredom. Some humans eat when they're bored; some pets do too!
- Physical environment. An inside pet uses few calories to regulate body temperature. A pet who lives outside -- especially in the winter -- burns a lot of calories to maintain body temperature.
- Certain medications can influence metabolism and appetite. Ask your veterinarian if your pet's medicine is contributing to his weight problems.
Certain medical conditions can cause obesity, through no fault of the pet or the owner! My brother's dog Kuma has thyroid problems that cause her to pack on the pounds. Adrenal disease, pancreatic tumors, and diabetes can also lead to weight problems in pets.
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