Dangers of Animal Obesity From Our Braselton Veterinarian
At Animal Emergency Care of Braselton, our experienced and compassionate veterinarian team is here to provide your pet with the highest standard of care when it’s needed most. Specializing in emergency and urgent care, we’re open 24 hours a day over the weekend and are available for after-hours care from 6PM through 8AM on weekdays. One of the more common reasons pet owners seek care from our veterinarian is when a dog or cat appears to have trouble breathing. Believe it or not, a common cause of this serious medical situation is obesity.
How Do You Know if Your Pet is Overweight or Obese?
It’s not always easy to tell if a pet is at a healthy weight, which is one of many reasons we recommend annual wellness exams with a veterinarian. This allows them to assess many aspects of your pet’s health, including weight. If your pet is overweight or obese, a vet can tell you how much weight your pet needs to lose in order to achieve a healthy weight. They can also test and screen for signs of underlying medical problems that will need to be treated or managed with specialized care.
Understanding the Dangers of Animal Obesity
While a chubby cat or dog may look “cute,” being overweight or obese is far from a laughing matter. A pet that is above his or her healthy weight is automatically more prone to a number of medical problems, including respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing or heavy breathing. Obese pets also tend to carry a higher risk of developing diabetes at some point in their lives, which can greatly affect their quality of life and reduce their lifespan. Because of the additional weight your pet’s body has to carry, an obese pet may also suffer from joint pain or arthritis, which can make it difficult for them to get around and further impact their quality of life.
If your pet is overweight, he or she may also be at a greater risk for developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, which can further reduce lifespan. All of these are very serious problems, but the good news is that your pet’s weight can be controlled with a little bit of diet and exercise. Reducing your pet’s daily calorie intake and taking measures to increase activity can lead to a gradual and safe level of weight loss. Depending on your pet’s size, it could take months or even years to reach that ideal weight, but it’s important to do so safely, as losing too much weight too soon can also be dangerous to your pet’s health.
Schedule an Appointment with our Braselton Veterinarian
If you have questions or if your pet shows any signs of respiratory or other medical problems related to weight, our Braselton vet is here to help. Contact Animal Emergency Care of Braselton today by calling (470) 209-7222.
