Is your pet having trouble climbing the stairs? Or going for a walk? Or jumping up on the sofa? If your pet is at an age where she is now considered a senior, it could be a touch of arthritis that is holding her back. If your pet is fairly young and healthy, it could be a weight problem.
We know that when we are putting on the pounds that we need to lose, not only to feel better and to climb those stairs without huffing and puffing at the top, but because we know it is better for our general health to lose the extra weight, when we start an exercise program we begin to see and feel the changes in our bodies. Well, it works the same way for our pets. These days, most people have busy lives and are constantly on the go: working, playing with kids, driving kids to practice, shopping, house cleaning, sports activities, etc. The list is long. All of that running around keeps us in pretty good shape. But think what you would look like if you layed around all day, eating and napping, with minimal exercise. Well, that is what your pet's life is like.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), "An estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese." (57.6% of cats and 52.6% of dogs) Although certain breeds are susceptible to obesity (Labrador, Cairn Terrier, Dachshund, Basset Hound, and Beagle, for example - there aren't any cat breeds that are predisposed to obesity) female and middle-aged animals are at risk, also. Bad diets, obviously, are largely responsible for the majority of overweight animals. Neutering also increases the risk. And lack of exercise, as I mentioned above, plays a large part in a pet's overall health.
Feeding a diet that is lower in fat and higher in fiber along with an increased exercise plan are two steps you can take to get your pet on the right track. Also, a pet that is overweight could have a health problem, such as a low thyroid level or another disease. If your pet has any symptoms that might lead you to believe there is a weight problem, consult with your veterinarian to set up a proper diet and exercise program.