Overweight Epidemic Hits Pets In The US; Tips How Keep Your Pet Fit

Statistics showed that the number of overweight pets in the U.S. is increasing. Veterinarians are actively campaigning to act now before everything is too late.

According to Pet Obesity Prevention, almost 52.7% of U.S. dogs were found to be overweight or obese. It is too evident that almost half of the population among dogs had a weight above normal. Likewise, research showed that 22% of dog owners thought their pet's weight was normal when in fact they are overweight or obese. Taking this kind of situation for granted would possibly put the health of your pet at risk.

To avoid your pet from developing arthritis, diabetes, immune system dysfunction and other conditions brought about by being overweight or obese, here are some of the tips on how to keep you pets fit as posted on Top Dog Tips.

1. Give you pet healthy foods. Your veterinarian might give you choices on what foods could most likely give your pet a balanced and a complete diet.

2. Decrease your pet's daily intake gradually. Changing his caloric intake too quickly may slow his metabolism -- making it more difficult for him to get in shape.

3. Pair their well-balanced diet with exercise. Even leash walking could help convert your pet's fats into muscles.

4. Your dog will be happier if you exercise together. Exercising with you will increase his motivation.

5. Fruits and vegetables would make a good snack for your dog. Give him a piece of baby carrots or apple slices. It would offer them great vitamins and minerals.

6. Randomly change your routines. Pets also get bored with what they do repeatedly. You may try to go out for a  swim or play fetch sometimes.

As posted on Echo, owners are sometimes overfeeding their pets (unknowingly) through kindness and neglected to give their pets enough exercise. Hence, Poppy Sharpley, Merseyside veterinarian, advocated and urged pet owners to "act now" before everything is too late.