It’s no secret that obesity is growing at an alarming rate in the U.S. But, many people might be shocked to discover they need look no farther than their own backyard to discover the latest victims of this epidemic – pets.
That’s right. We’ve supersized Fido and Fluffy. An astounding 35 percent of the total pet population in the nation – 48 million cats and dogs – is considered overweight. Overeating and too little exercise are the chief culprits, with many pet owners greatly contributing to poor nutrition, without even realizing it. (Feeding a pet table scraps tops the list of faulty feeding habits; one ounce of cheese fed to a 10-pound cat is equivalent to a human eating a whopping three and half hamburgers.)
However, there’s good news. It’s not too late for our plump felines and chunky canines to shed a few pounds. With proper nutrition and exercise, cats and dogs can get down to their ideal weight and remain there – an important step toward enhancing a pet’s overall health and well-being.
“The major factors of obesity are the same for people and pets, high caloric intake and a decrease in physical activity,” says celebrity personal trainer and multiple dog owner, Gunnar Peterson. “Many pet owners think that food equals love, but this is not the case. My dog Lennox would much rather wrestle with me than have a treat, and it’s a workout for both of us.”
By working with a veterinarian and tracking progress online through www.PetFit.com, pet owners can see results as time goes by, which helps motivate them to keep up their pet’s new nutritional plan and exercise regimen. Some of the tools available on the site include: a weight check tool, which estimates the ideal weight of a dog or cat based on breed size, age, current weight and a calculated body conditioning score; the weight tracker, a personalized calendar that charts progress and provides feedback to set and maintain goals; and a calorie burn chart, which shows how calories are burned as a result of common activities such as walking, swimming or strenuous play. The site also offers nutrition and exercise tips for pets, including dog and cat workouts and feeding do’s and don’ts.
“The bottom line,” says Peterson, “is to stop lovingly overfeeding, get out and exercise with your pets and ensure their food has the right mix of nutrients.”
Source: PetFit.com
