Q. What health problems will my pet suffer from if they are overweight? A. Being overweight or obese increases the risks of many health problems, with the most common ones being arthritis, diabetes, liver disease and heart disease. Many other health problems such as respiratory problems will also be exacerbated by obesity.
Q. My pet doesn’t eat very much at all but he’s still overweight – what’s going on? A. It can be surprising how little food some animals need, especially if they are being fed dried foods which are very concentrated. It is also possible that your pet is getting food from another source such as a neighbour, so make sure you look out for that. In general though the evidence of your pet’s weight doesn’t lie – if they are overweight, they are getting too much food, however little you think they are getting!
Q. I’m thinking of having my pet neutered but I’ve heard that this might cause her to put on weight – is this true? A. Neutering itself doesn’t make pets fat but it can reduce the amount of calories that they need so if they are still fed the same amount as before they were neutered, it is likely they will put on weight. It is a good idea to reduce your pet’s calorific intake by around 10-15% after they have been neutered to prevent any weight gain – and talk to your vet before the operation if you are worried.
Q. My pet wolfs his food down and is always hungry so it’s hard to keep him thin – how can I keep him satisfied and thin? A. Try using feeding balls – these are special toys for cats and dogs that make them work for their dinner by only releasing small amounts as they are rolled around the floor. Not only are they great fun and good for slowing down their meals, they also burn up calories as well.
