If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call San Bruno Pet -- we are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
Pet obesity exacerbates arthritis
The number one medical condition associated with excess weight is osteoarthritis (OA). Both large and small breeds of dogs are typically affected, but cats are developing crippling arthritis at alarming rates. If your pet is carrying as little as one or two extra pounds, remember those pounds are stressing tiny joints not designed to carry extra weight. Making matters worse, fat cells produce harmful chemicals known as adipocytokines that damage even non-weight bearing joints. There is no cure for arthritis; we can only minimize the pain. Learn more about arthritis and pets. We've found that Laser Therapy is also effective in relieving pain.
- Obese pets have less fun
Dogs love to exercise; it’s in their nature. They weren’t bred to ride the couch. It only takes a little research on the history of breeds to notice that most have hunted and worked with humans for thousands of years. “Dogs are born to work for a living,” says the ASPCA website. “Most are bred for a particular purpose like hunting, herding livestock, or providing protection.” Knowing this, do you think a dog that has a hard time getting around would be happy? Would you? Here are some creative ways to exercise your dog
- Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease influenced by both inherited and environmental factors. However, of all the risk factors, obesity is the most important, especially since the prevalence of obesity is increasing. Learn more about diabetes in cats here.
- Pet obesity is increasing
According to recent statistics, compiled in the 2013 Banfield State of Pet Health Report, pet obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. Drawing on a sizable sample group of 2 million dogs and nearly half a million cats, the report shows that 37% more dogs and 90% more cats are obese this year compared to five years ago.
- Obesity can increase the risk of high blood pressure
Sometimes we forget our pets get many of the same diseases we do. Hypertension is one of these commonly overlooked conditions in pets. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because you can’t tell if your pet has it, nor can you see the damage it’s causing.