Obesity in pets is a growing concern that can significantly impact their health and overall wellbeing. Just like in humans, excess weight in pets can lead to multiple health issues, from diabetes to heart disease, and can shorten their lifespan. As responsible pet parents, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of making healthy choices to manage and prevent obesity in our fur kiddos. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies, we can help ensure our fur kiddos lead happy, healthy lives.

Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of obesity in pets is the first step toward addressing the issue. Common symptoms include:

• Weight Gain: Noticeable increase in body weight
• Difficulty with Movement: Struggling to move around, climb stairs, or jump
• Shortness of Breath: Breathing difficulties, especially after mild exertion
• Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and reluctance to engage in physical activities

Causes

Understanding the root causes of obesity in pets can help devise effective strategies to combat it. Key factors include:

• Overfeeding: Providing more food than necessary, often combined with calorie-rich treats
  
  
• Lack of Exercise: Insufficient physical activity leads to weight gain
  
  
• Genetic Predisposition: Some breeds are more prone to weight gain due to their genetic makeup. (Labrador Retriever/Golden Retrievers, Boxer, Beagle, Pug, Bulldog, Rottweiler, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Chow Chow, etc.)
  
  
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Hormonal imbalances like Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, Diabetes mellitus, and Insulinoma, and other health issues like Arthritis and Heart disease can contribute to weight gain, while certain medications, such as Steroids, can increase appetite and lead to weight gain as a side effect

Diagnosing Obesity in Pets

Proper diagnosis of obesity in pets involves several steps:

• Physical Exams: A thorough check-up by a veterinarian to assess body condition
  
  
• Increased Physical Activity: Encouraging regular exercise through walks, play, and interactive toys
  
  
• Blood Tests: To rule out medical conditions that might contribute to weight gain

Treatment

Effective management of obesity in pets requires a multifaceted approach:

• Turmeric: The active compound in Turmeric is Curcumin, which is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties. Therefore, it aids in reducing inflammation and improving mobility, making it easier for pets to stay active and playful.
  
  
• PetOmega 3: A great source of EPA/essential fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic Acid 600mg) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid 460mg) that support weight management, joint support, and comfort while promoting healthy heart function and enhancing the overall well-being of your fur kiddos. These qualities of PO3 help your pet enjoy an active lifestyle that prevents them from being overweight. (The American Journal of Veterinary Medicine has published studies on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for Arthritis and degenerative joint disease in dogs. The studies showed that dogs given omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly improved ability to get up from a resting position and marked improvement in walking ability)
  
  
• Multi Essentials: It contains herbs rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which reduce lethargy and fatigue and increase energy levels in pets while supporting a healthy metabolism. Furthermore, it promotes strong muscles and bone growth. Altogether, these qualities help support general well-being and a happy and active lifestyle for your pet, which prevents them from being overweight and obese.
  
  
• Low-Calorie Treats: Low-calorie treats help prevent pet obesity by reducing caloric intake while still allowing for rewards. They support a balanced diet, encourage physical activity, promote weight management, and reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related health issues.
  

Obesity in Pets Can be Helped – If You Play a Role

Managing and preventing obesity in pets is crucial for their long-term health and happiness. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and implementing effective treatment strategies, we can help our pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, increased physical activity, and supportive supplements like NVH’s Turmeric, PetOmega 3, and Multi Essentials all play a role in this process.

Taking proactive steps today ensures our pets enjoy a better quality of life tomorrow. Let’s commit to making healthy choices for our pets, helping them stay happy, active, and healthy for years to come.