Just like many of their owners, pets all over the world are facing the battle of the bulge, that is, weight gain. At Qatar Veterinary Center we see overweight cats and dogs on a daily basis. Some are just mildly so, others are already obese. Although owners often associate giving extra food and treats to their pets with love, these extra pounds can unfortunately be really harmful to their health. The extra weight can be hard on their heart, joints, and metabolism. A study has even found that overweight dogs live an average of two full years LESS than their normal weighted siblings. There are two factors to weight gain and weight loss, that is diet and exercise. Regular exercise is very important to your pet’s mental and physical health. Pets who are out of shape need to start slowly, this can be short sessions of playing with toys for a cat, or short walks or swims for a dog. With the hot weather approaching here in Qatar we must use extreme caution with outdoor exercise. The most important factor is diet. Some pets just need to eat less, others may need a light food or a prescription diet, some may need blood testing to rule out a medical problem. If you are unsure if your pet’s weight is normal, or are having trouble controlling their weight, please make an appointment to see your QVC Veterinarian for an exam and to make a plan to help keep your pet healthy.
Dr Sam, DVM
