A huge proportion of family cats and dogs are now obese. Across the world, in excess of 50% of domesticated pets are now classed as obese and the sight of overweight animals is so commonplace now that many owners might not even realise that their pet is actually overweight.
There is a very simple way to know whether your pet is overweight, and vets suggest that if you cannot easily feel their ribs by simply placing your hands around their middle, your pet will indeed be classed as obese.
In America, the epidemic has been addressed by the creation of dog gyms where pups can work out on specially designed machines, whilst their owners also get in shape on their own treadmills. However, whilst this might not be common yet, the gradual introduction of such places is highlighting just how big a need there is for animals to get the right amount of exercise.
Domesticated animals need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Whether this involves you taking your dog out for regular walks or ensuring that you put half an hour aside simply to play with your cat, so long as they are getting regular exercise this will go some way to curing the problem.
The right pet food is also integral, and not only might some cheaper foods cause animals to needlessly pile on the pounds, the right focussed nutrition might also make it easy for them to lose weight should they indeed be obese. And the difference that weight loss can make to their personality and energy levels can be astonishing.
So whilst you might not want to find a dog gym just yet, finding the right food from a reputable online animal shop and ensuring that you offer your pet the chance to exercise regularly is going to be extremely important if you want to ensure that they are as happy and as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
For more information visit www.hillspet.es/Dog/Adult.aspx
