Pet Obesity Prevention and Recovery: Small Steps for Big Results!

Whatever your age or physical condition, you can help your pet stay fit. Regardless of what type of pet you have, how old they are, and what shape they’re in, you can take small, targeted steps to prevent pet obesity, or to help an overweight pet achieve a healthier weight.

Movement is key. It never has to be strenuous or exhausting. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. 

Food is important, too. The goal is to keep your pet well-fed and satiated without being over-fed. 

                                               Prevent Pet Obesity

Prevention is always easier than recovery. Set up a healthy routine the moment you bring a pet home to prevent pet obesity and help your pet thrive. Whether you have a cat, a dog, a rabbit, a snake, fish, or any other pets, you can help your pet get the exercise needed to stay in good shape.

1. Offer room to roam. Turtles, snakes, and other reptiles need an enclosure 
   that’s large and diverse enough to move around in. Likewise with fish,
   which need swimming space. Hamsters, mice, and rats benefit from
   habitats that offer tubes to scamper through and wheels to run in. Cats
   love scratching posts and “cat condos.” Dogs enjoy yards and, when
   possible, regular walks. Creating the right spaces and opportunities for
   your pets will encourage them to move around, fostering better health. If
   you are not able to take your dogs out on walks, consider hiring help. 

2. Regulate food delivery. Left to their own devices, some pets will eat well
    past their comfort levels! Overeating is unhealthy for humans and pets
    alike. Determine how much, and how often, your pet needs to eat based
    on weight and age, then distribute food accordingly. 
3. Provide mental stimulation … and plenty of water. Sometimes pets eat
    because they’re bored. Occasionally, they may get confused and eat when
    they’re actually thirsty. Offer your pet rewarding activities to keep their
    mind occupied, along with plenty of fresh water to keep them healthily
    hydrated. 

                                         Help Your Overweight Pet 

If you have an overweight pet, talk with your pet’s veterinarian, who can customize a diet plan that will supply the needed nutrients without the excess calories.

Develop actionable ways to get your overweight pet to move around more. Naturally, older pets and ones with limited mobility won’t be able to keep up with younger counterparts, and that’s okay. They can still stay active. Whatever their ages or abilities, you can help them by:

1. Massaging their muscles to improve circulation.
2. Regulating food intake with a vet’s help.
3. Providing safe spaces they can explore at their own pace.
4. Encouraging them to engage with you, such as when you’re gardening or
     walking through your home.
5. Initiating species-appropriate playtime suitable for your pet’s age and
   condition.

Taking simple steps today can eventually lead to big results. Your pet’s pounds will shed, they’ll benefit from being even slightly more active, and they’ll even look happier! Through small steps, you can help your pet overcome pet obesity and thrive.