Pet obesity is a major health problem in both cats and dogs. It’s estimated that over half of all cats and dogs are clinically obese. This is serious because pet obesity leads to so many other health problems and affects not only length of life, but quality of life.
Some of the many health problems associated with pet obesity include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
As you can see, obesity is not only a condition in itself, it is a major contributing factor to many other diseases and health problems that can cut your pet’s life short, and dramatically reduce quality of life.
What You Need To Know About Pet Obesity
The most important thing there is to know about pet obesity is that it is totally preventable. And, if your pet is already overweight, you can reverse it. The two primary factors are diet and exercise. Obesity is a direct result of diet lack of exercise. Many pet owners overestimate the amount of food a pet really needs. This is totally common and if you’ve been overfeeding know that you aren’t alone.
What Can You Do?
The first place to start is with your veterinarian. The vet will be able to give you a better picture of your pet’s overall health and help you create a weight loss plan that works while setting healthy weight goals to keep you and your pet on track. Exercise is a big part of healthy living for your pet and regular activity along with diet will make all the difference.
Your veterinarian will also be able to make recommendations when it comes to weight loss dog food and your cat diet. Many commercial pet foods are high in fillers that your pet doesn’t need. Diet dog food and cat diet food are specially made to deliver the protein and nutrients your pet needs without all the extra empty calories.
Contact Our Local Veterinarian in Florida Today
For more information on diet, exercise and weight loss for your pet, contact Bluestar Pet Hospital. Call (904) 720-4275 for our St. Johns FL location and (904) 720-4272 for our Jacksonville FL location. We look forward to serving you and your furry family member!
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Dr. Venkat Gutta
Bluestar Pet Hospital & Grooming
At Blue Star Pet Hospital and Grooming, Dr. Venkat Gutta provides high-quality and modern veterinary services to all your furry friends! At Bluestar, Dr. Gutta and his team are committed to providing your pets with both a full-service Veterinary Hospital and a modern grooming salon (St. Johns location only) for dogs and cats. Our primary commitment is to provide your companion animals with the highest quality medical care. Dr. Gutta strongly believes in treating your four-legged companions as family members and providing them with excellent yet affordable veterinary care. At Bluestar, we also think that it is important to educate you, as a pet owner, and ensure that the unique needs of you and your pet are met at all times. Through Bluestar, Dr. Gutta and his team serve clients in Durbin Crossing, Jacksonville, St Augustine, St Johns, CR 210, and other areas. Whether it is pet vaccinations, surgery, techniques, advanced diagnostic testing, or even flea and tick control products, we give you access to the best and most cutting-edge treatments and technologies. At Bluestar, we believe that your pet is the STAR!
