The Epidemic of Overweight
Pets
Obesity in humans is classified as having a BMI over 30.
However, in pets the definition of obesity is having a body weight at least 20%
over their optimal body weight. Weight is a sensitive subject, something that many
people are uncomfortable talking about or just sometimes outright ignore. However,
this is a serious issue as more and more people are becoming heavier as well as
their pets.
Over half the dogs and cats around the world are struggling
with weight. Obesity in animals can cause complications in health the same as
it does in humans. Animals can complications with their body experiencing conditions
from diabetes to osteoarthritis. Being overweight can also affect the lifespan
of your beloved pet. Overweight Labradors lived 1.8 years less then Labradors that
were of healthy weight. Humans are part of the big reason that our pets are overweight.
From contributing factors of higher
calorie foods, insufficient exercise, and genetics they all play a role in
weight gain.
To fix this issue both owner and pet need to work together. The
relationship between pet owner and pet is very deep, emotionally and psychologically
much like that of a family member. Pet owners need to show less love to their
pets through food. Pet owners can change their bad habits of overindulging
their pet and find new methods of expressing love for their pets. Slowly but
surely obesity can be treated allowing both pets and pet owners to spend more
time together.
https://www.cnn.com/2016/04/07/us/overweight-dog-update-fat-vincent-k9-angels-irpt/index.html
Posted by: Trung Le (2)
I wonder if there is any correlation between owners who are overweight and pets who are overweight? My reasoning behind this is that an owner who has an active lifestyle may be more likely to take their dogs on walks/jogs.
ReplyDeleteThere is a correlation between the weight of dog owners and their pets however their is not one between cats and owners. This is due to the level of dependence that dogs have on their owners to feed them while cats are less reliant. Pet owners will also indulge their pets with "treats" since they frequently do as well.
Delete-Trung Le (2)
I wonder if some breeds of dog are more susceptible to weight gain than others. Just like for humans part of our metabolism is based on our genetics, I assume it might be the same in dogs too.
ReplyDelete-Zoe Israel
You are right as there many breeds that are much more likely to be overweight such as: Pugs, Retrievers, Dachshunds and Beagles. As a result care must be taken regarding their exercise and diet.
Delete-Trung Le (2)
It is very sad to see our lack of care for our own health negatively impacting the health of other species. I was listening to a seminar the other day, and the speaker discussed how common birdseed for feeders is often very unhealthy and doesn't provide much nutrition. The fact that this epidemic of unhealthy animals extends past just pets just shows the impact that humans can have on something seemingly as simple as weight gain. When you consider the obesity rates of humans, it is not all that surprising, though it does make me wonder if we understood how to better take care of ourselves maybe the rest of nature would benefit as well.
ReplyDeleteHarris Jackson (1)
It is very unfortunate that humans have passed on their problems of weight gain to animals. In the wild this is rarely unless it is beneficial seen since the less fit animal will die. When humans learn to better eat animals as a whole can benefit.
Delete-Trung Le (2)
It is unfortunate that many pet owners neglect the health and exercise of their pets. The fact that it lowers the lifespan of certain breeds more than others is especially sad. Overfeeding a pet is certainly a bad and misinformed practice of owning an animal, and should be rectified with educational courses for pet ownership.
ReplyDeleteDerek Simoncelli (3)
Pet owners need to have a better understanding of how weight gain can negatively affect their pets much like in humans. Veterinarians can teach pet owners not to be as overindulgent.
Delete- Trung Le (2)
I agree that it can be beneficial for pet owners to work together with their pets and that them exercising together would be obviously beneficial to both. I wonder if being overweight has any correlation or pattern to having a pet that is also overweight.
ReplyDelete-Sunaina Sharma (3)
Yes, there is a correlation as pet owners will apply their own eating habits and personal behaviors such as not exercising onto their dogs. All of which will affect their pets.
Delete-Trung Le (2)
Looks like the essayist has put a considerable measure of diligent work into this.
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