Specialists clarify the matter and teach how to identify and reverse the situation
Special treatment of pets strengthens their role as family members. And, while concern for their health and well-being stands out, there is still neglect on the part of mentors when it comes to overweight or obesity. According to veterinarian Letícia Valente, who works with integrative medicine, including nutrition, at the Pets + Vida clinic, is common animals in these conditions they go to the consultation for another reason, when they are then diagnosed with excess weight, a factor never observed at home.
As Hill’s Pet Nutrition warns, based on a study published in the scientific journal in 2020 Research on naturethe index of animal obesity it is high in Brazil. In São Paulo alone, almost 41% of dogs suffer from overweight and obesity.
Animal obesity is similar to the condition in humans, considered 15% overweight, based on size and age. Diagnosis requires veterinary evaluation, however tutors themselves can identify it. For this, Letícia explains that “when you visualize the animal from above, it is necessary to notice its life” and when you touch it, feel its rib.
“From the moment we need to squeeze the rib region a little more to feel it, this means that the animal has an extra layer of fat there,” the vet points out. However, this does not mean that the bones need to be visible.
Both obesity and overweight are harmful. The difference between these conditions, according to the expert, is the proportion. “The overweight animal has the same consequences, but the progression of the diseases starts a little slower,” he informs.
Consequences for health include inflammation in the body, potentiation of joint and pain problems (especially in the elderly), respiratory and intestinal problems, difficulty in locomotion and the development of a number of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, low immunity and even reduced quality of life, life and life expectancy (about 2 years).
In cats, it can also cause sores and peeling of the skin. “They tend to lick themselves by nature, to clean themselves, but when they are obese they can have difficulty in doing so, as they can no longer reach certain areas of the body, which can cause dermatological problems,” reflects the veterinarian.
how to treat
Some dog breeds are more predisposed to being overweight, including: pug, dachshund (“sausage”), beagle, basset, cocker, labrador, and golden retriever. In addition, other factors that increase this expectation are: castration, age, sedentary lifestyle, free and excessive eating and hormonal problems.
Like Letícia, the reversal of the picture depends on the cause. Therefore, in addition to nutritional management, attention to the hormonal is necessary, with follow-up with a veterinary endocrinologist. Therefore, for animals that eat feed, it is essential to switch to an obesity-friendly option in order to provide healthy slimmingwithout nutritional deficiency.
To avoid doubts about the options, Brana Bonder, a veterinarian and veterinary affairs supervisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, explains that light food is different than an obesity food. The first is indicated for weight control and for overweight patients to a lesser extent, while the second promotes the elimination of calories.
“Food focused on obesity brings more satiety, as it has a higher fiber content and a lower fat content, as calorie restriction is the main strategy for weight loss. In addition, food for obesity contains nutraceuticals. in contents optimized to increase fat burning, such as L-carnitine and a higher protein content to prevent muscle loss, “explains Brana.
Although dog food is a good (and healthy) alternative, Letícia advocates natural food as the “best answer to weight loss”. However, this option requires even more attention, as it requires the correct indication of quantities and feeds specific to the individual needs of the animal. Therefore, it is essential to follow a qualified nutrition veterinarian or zootechnician.
Finally, the specialist emphasizes the importance of encouraging play (especially with cats) and daily physical exercise (gradually and, if necessary, with physiotherapy). “For tutors who don’t have time, an alternative is to hire a walker or have them go to kindergarten,” suggests Letícia.
Source: Terra
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