Obesity in dogs and cats has become an increasingly important issue in the United States. Studies by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention show that more than half of all U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese.

Common problems associated with obesity include:

• Lower life expectancy
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart, respiratory, and kidney disease
• Cancer

Preventing Obesity

Many owners overfeed and under-exercise their cats and dogs, unaware that they are doing harm to the long-term health of their pet. To prevent obesity, control your pet’s food portion sizes, and provide the opportunity for regular exercise with walks and toys. Keep an eye on calories of food and treats that you give your pet as well. Determining the proper serving size depends on the breed, size, and age of your dog or cat. Consult an Animal Medical Care veterinarian for professional guidance.

If your dog or cat is already overweight, you will have to put them on a weight loss regimen. This must be planned and executed with care. With a veterinarian’s guidance, decide on the best combination of exercise and food reduction that will help your pet lose weight in a healthy way.

Summer Heat

In the heat of summer, pets are at risk for heatstroke, which can lead to permanent organ damage or death. Cats and dogs are not able to sweat and can have difficulty cooling off during the hotter months, so be sure to take a number of steps to keep them cool:

• Provide cool water
• Ensure access to rooms that do not get much sunlight
• Exercise pets during the morning or afternoon, when it is cooler
• Provide outdoor shelter from the sun
• Do not leave pets in a car

If your pet appears to be overheating, bring it indoors, provide cool water, and apply cool, moist towels to his or her fur. Do not use ice water, as extremely cold water can cause blood vessels to constrict and hinder cooling.

Winter Cold

Wind, snow, and ice during winter months also pose a danger to dogs and cats. The easiest way to protect them is to keep them indoors as much as possible. Staying warm consumes energy, so make sure that your pets have a little extra food and water.

Keep outdoor exercise brief, and do it during the warmest part of the afternoon. Outdoor cats may seek warmth in the underbellies of cars. Before you start your engine, bang loudly on your hood and peek underneath the vehicle to make sure it’s all clear.

Be sure to keep a watchful eye on your pets during the extreme temperatures of the year. If you see strange behavior and cannot remedy it with the strategies listed above, bring your pet into Animal Medical Care.