As a pet owner, which of these diseases would you like to see in your pet this year:
• Heart failure
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Liver and gall bladder disease
• Osteoarthritis (inflamed painful joints)
• Chronic disease
• Respiratory disease
• Hypothyroid (low thyroid production)
Clearly, you will say “How silly! I do not want my pet to have any of these diseases.” If your pet is obese, though, they have a significant risk of developing one of these diseases.
Over half of all dogs and cats are overweight. Why should I be concerned about the weight of my dog or cat? Most of us consider our furbabies an important part of our family. They provide so much love and support that we want them to live as long as possible as part of our family. Did you realize obese patients have a decreased life expectancy of up to 2 1/2 years? Did you realize that many of the diseases routinely treated are triggered by obesity?
Dogs and cats with excess fat are at increased risk for developing diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of cancer. Some of these diseases are silent destroyers of health, like high blood pressure which leads to kidney disease and strokes. Others diseases like arthritis are simply ignored and blamed on aging. Still others such as diabetes and cancer are terrible diseases that cause pain and suffering. All of these diseases are seen more frequently in obese patients.
Is obesity a disease?
The answer to the question is debated for a number of reasons in human medicine. However, it is the leading cause of inflammation in our pets and the precursor of many the diseases already discussed. In addition, inflammation products infiltrate many organs causing dysfunction. Yes, obesity is a disease that cannot be ignored and requires treatment. Other diseases are not ignored and would be treated.
Are obese patients suffering?
It is known that human obesity is associated with increased aches and pains as well as a lack of energy. Often as patients and pet parents work to help them lose weight, they are grateful for the increased energy and happiness they experience.
Are you ready to help change your furbaby’s life for the better? The good news is you are able to change your pet’s quality of life. It will be hard work and a challenge but you can make a difference in their lives.
Obesity Tool Kit – Click Here!
Original Post Facebook Live 2020: Weight Management in Our Pets
