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Obesity

Generally obesity is a result too much food and too little exercise. Breed characteristics, temperament, and hormone imbalance may also influence obesity. Overweight pets generally will experience more physical ailments and a shorter life span than those of lean or average weight. Obesity makes necessary surgery more hazardous.

Health problems that are generated by being overweight:

  1. 24% of obese pets have walking problems.
    • arthritis
    • slipped discs in the back
    • torn joint ligaments (especially in the knee)
  2. Respiratory (breathing) difficulties -- especially decreased endurance with exercise.
  3. Heart problems -- congestion due to work overload.
  4. Liver disease -- a result of fat invasion of the organ.
  5. Dystocia -- difficulty in giving birth.
  6. Diabetes -- lack of the ability to regulate the blood sugar.
  7. Heat stroke -- decreased ability to control internal body heat.
  8. Skin problems -- especially oily skin and poor hair coat.
  9. Digestive system problems -- excessive gas and constipation particularly.
  10. Anal gland infections and impactions -- due to poor rectal muscle strength.
  11. Lowered resistance to diseases -- overweight pets are sick more often.
  12. Increased risk with surgery and anesthetics.

Obesity REDUCES YOUR PET'S LIFE SPAN , and general enjoyment of life.

The primary causes of obesity are :

  • Overeating
  • Lack of adequate exercise -- even if pet is walked daily.
  • Lowered metabolism -- often seen after neutering.
  • Emotional trauma -- stress in the home for extended periods.
  • Brain problems-- especially with the appetite control center.
  • Hormone imbalances -- poor thyroid gland function particularly.
  • Less than 5% of overweight problems are due to the last three factors listed above.