EXPLORE / PETS
Does my pooch look big in this? Obesity among our four-legged family members is on the rise, with real consequences for their health. Here are the warning signs, and what you can do to turn the dial. Words MONIQUE BUTTERWORTH
C ARRYING A LITTLE ‘COVID weight’ has become our go-to excuse post-pandemic for letting ourselves go a tad, but it seems too many of us have extended the justification to our pets as well. We humans know balanced nutrition and regular exercise contributes greatly to our wellness; the same goes for our pets’ prolonged good health. According to a 2020 Australian Veterinary Association report, 41% of dogs and 32% of cats were obese, and vets have since reported the pandemic made the problem worse, thanks largely to lots of people working from home and resorting to treats to keep their pets quiet. Petstock vet Dr Tara Morris says there are many reasons why pet obesity is still on the rise. “Everybody’s lives are busy. Sometimes people have difficulty finding the time to exercise their pet,” says Dr Morris. “We can be ‘soft touches’
too when they give us those puppy dog eyes wanting treats and extra food.” She says pet owners often don’t realise their furry friend is gaining weight, but they need to, because it is a serious health concern that can affect your pet’s lifespan. “Obesity impacts a number of your pet’s body organs, but the most common ailment people think of is arthritis and joint disease from carrying the extra weight around,” says Dr Morris. “But similar to obese humans, pets become susceptible to issues like heart disease, diabetes and liver problems. “Another issue many owners don’t think of is skin disease, particularly obese cats with skin folds who can’t groom themselves properly. Infections can develop between those folds,” she adds. Just like people, animals come in all sizes and have different metabolisms. Some dog and cat breeds are more predisposed to
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DARE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023
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