Pet Obesity on the Rise: veterinarians Warn of Serious Health Risks
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - A growing number of pets are battling obesity, leading veterinarians to raise concerns about the serious health consequences for dogs and cats.From diabetes and heart disease to joint problems and reduced life expectancy, excess weight poses a important threat to animal wellbeing, experts say.
The diagnosis of obesity should always be made by a veterinarian, obtained through a detailed medical history of the animal, its eating and exercise habits. While tools like body mass index (BMI) can be used, the body condition score (ECC) is the most commonly used and recommended methodology to assess whether a pet is overweight. Prevention, through proper diet and regular exercise, is crucial, notably starting from a young age.
Obesity can lead to a cascade of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, and respiratory difficulties, ultimately decreasing a pet’s life expectancy and potentially leading to early death. “It is essential to make tutors aware of the dangers of obesity and reinforce the importance of proper diet and regular exercise from an early age, in order to condition the healthy life of pets. It is significant to seek professional veterinary guidance,” says Dr. Flávio Barca.
The article was written by Deiwerson Damasceno dos Santos.
