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Pets facing obesity at an increasing rateMen, women and children are not the only ones experiencing problems with obesity. Pet owners are seeing an increase in their furry friends as well. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, about 25 percent of pets in the United State are overweight. The problem is due to a number of factors, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian. "People are less active in today's society. Both adults and children are spending more time in front of their computers and televisions," MacAllister said. "This means their pets may have fewer opportunities to have fun exercising with their owners." Obesity can cause serious health concerns for pets such as respiratory issues, heart disease and diabetes. "Not only can obesity cause serious health problems such as stress on the heart and other vital organs and worsen the pain of arthritis, overweight pets are typically more prone to injury. These issues not only affect the quality of the pet's life, but also the longevity," MacAllister said. "In addition, these health problems can be quite expensive to treat." She suggests consulting your veterinarian to determine if your pet is a healthy weight. There are some pet owners who have misconceptions regarding what is a healthy weight for their animals. Carrying as few as two or three extra pounds can be a serious health issue for a pet. Just as humans carry weight differently, animals do too. Weight distribution depends on the pet's structure. "Generally, the ideal healthy condition is when you can easily feel your pet's ribs by gently rubbing on their sides," MacAllister said. "A healthy pet should have a waist which is apparent when you view your pet from the top between the end of the ribs and the hip area." If your pet is overweight, restrict its food intake and increase exercise opportunities. Avoid giving your pet snacks between regular feeding times. It is better to reward them with praise and attention. "A great way to help keep your pet healthy and at the proper weight is to play interactive games like fetch with a favorite toy such as a ball or Frisbee, or just take a brisk walk," she said. "Before starting any exercise program for your pets, however, be sure to consult your veterinarian." Pets that are severely overweight need to be placed on a prescription food. These foods are not as calorie dense and contain a higher level of fiber. If fed properly these foods help the animal feel full but not consume as many calories. These prescription foods should be used with the supervision of the pet's veterinarian. "Just as you try to eat healthy and regularly exercise, your four-legged family members need the same healthy lifestyle," MacAllister said. 4/7/08 Date: 4/1/08 Advertisement
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