Obesity
Generally obesity is a result too much food and too little exercise. Breed characteristics, temperament, and hormone imbalance may also influence obesity. Overweight pets generally will experience more physical ailments and a shorter life span than those of lean or average weight. Obesity makes necessary surgery more hazardous.
Health problems that are generated by being overweight:
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24% of obese pets have walking problems.
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arthritis
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slipped discs in the back
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torn joint ligaments (especially in the knee)
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Respiratory (breathing) difficulties -- especially decreased endurance with exercise.
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Heart problems -- congestion due to work overload.
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Liver disease -- a result of fat invasion of the organ.
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Dystocia -- difficulty in giving birth.
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Diabetes -- lack of the ability to regulate the blood sugar.
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Heat stroke -- decreased ability to control internal body heat.
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Skin problems -- especially oily skin and poor hair coat.
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Digestive system problems -- excessive gas and constipation particularly.
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Anal gland infections and impactions -- due to poor rectal muscle strength.
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Lowered resistance to diseases -- overweight pets are sick more often.
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Increased risk with surgery and anesthetics.
Obesity REDUCES YOUR PET'S LIFE SPAN , and general enjoyment of life.
The primary causes of obesity are :
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Lack of adequate exercise -- even if pet is walked daily.
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Lowered metabolism -- often seen after neutering.
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Emotional trauma -- stress in the home for extended periods.
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Brain problems-- especially with the appetite control center.
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Hormone imbalances -- poor thyroid gland function particularly.
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Less than 5% of overweight problems are due to the last three factors listed above.