OVERWEIGHT PETS

Fat cat or chubby Chihuahua may seem cute and cuddly. But overweight and obese pets, just like overweight and obese people, are at risk for a host of diseases and could be en route to an early grave.

There are a lot of long-term problems associated with pet obesity. Obese pets are at risk for osteoarthritis, heart problems and breathing problems. Overweight dogs and cats have decreased immune systems. It’s difficult to hear the hearts and hear the lungs in fat dogs. And it’s difficult to transport fat dogs around the hospital.

Overweight cats and dogs are also at risk for diabetes and cancer.

There are two causes of pet obesity: poor dietary habits and a lack of exercise. Certain breeds are at a higher risk for obesity including labs, pugs and Boston terriers.

Here are some other statistics to keep in mind when caring for a pet:

• 35 percent of the total pet population is overweight
• Overweight pets are at risk for heart disease, diabetes and arthritis
• One extra pound on a Chihuahua is equal to 38 pounds on an average woman
• One ounce of cheese for a 20-pound dog is equal to human eating one and a half hamburgers
• One cup of milk for a 10-pound cat is equal to a human eating five chocolate bars