{"id":100,"date":"2023-10-06T07:24:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T14:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orovilleanimalhealthcenter.com\/blog\/?p=100"},"modified":"2023-10-06T07:24:45","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T14:24:45","slug":"pet-obesity-awareness-month-tips-for-maintaining-a-healthy-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orovilleanimalhealthcenter.com\/blog\/pet-obesity-awareness-month-tips-for-maintaining-a-healthy-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight"},"content":{"rendered":"
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According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention<\/a>, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were classified as overweight or obese in 2022. There are many explanations for these statistics, but the primary reason for this is simple: too many calories, and not enough exercise to burn them off. In addition to keeping pets looking their absolute best, preventing weight gain is paramount to overall health and well-being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Keeping Weight Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pets are highly motivated by food, and they know exactly how to get what they want. Begging! We are all guilty of giving in to a pet\u2019s pleading looks and plaintive whines. But the truth is, this hurts them more than it benefits them. Added calories from treats can slowly thicken a pet\u2019s midsection, and increase their vulnerability to a wide range of associated health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Preventive Strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If weight gain is attributed to excess calories and inadequate ways to burn them off, it is important to work to find a better balance between calories in and calories out. Talk to your vet about the proper portion sizes, and stick to them every single day. You should also provide your pet with plenty of opportunities for exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can help you<\/a> find the right food for your pet\u2019s specific lifestage and lifestyle, and figure out exact portions to support their changing needs. As pets age, their nutritional needs can shift. Food that was previously appropriate for optimal growth and development in puppyhood or kittenhood may not meet the needs of an adult or aging senior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Recognize the Problem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many pets are intensely active and have no problem maintaining a healthy weight. This may look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n