You may love your pet no matter what size they are, but having an animal that is overweight could be detrimental to their health. It’s important as a pet owner to look after your furry friend’s diet and ensure they’re getting the right amount of exercise in order to stave off costly health problems.
The Los Angeles Times reports that a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that nearly 53 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight in the U.S. Additionally, more than one in five of these animals are at least 30 percent above the average weight, making them clinically obese.
However, there are ways to help your pet from becoming a part of this statistic. According to CBS News, one of the major culprits in animal weight gain is from treats. The news provider reports that commercial pet treats are typically loaded with calories, which is something pet owners may not realize when they’re rewarding their four-legged friend.
While cutting down on the food intake can help keep the pounds away, ensuring your animal is getting exercise is also key. While some pet owners may be fearful of what winter’s chill can do to their pet, taking precautionary measures such as investing in a HeatTrak Snow Melting Traction Mat can not only keep the cold ice at bay, but keep your animal’s feet toasty.
