An extra treat here, a tidbit there, insufficient walks, and before you know it, your beloved pet has piled on extra weight. Did you know that it could be just 10 tiny extra kibble morsels a day to add on an extra pound in a year?
When our pets carry extra weight they can often times feel vulnerable because they are physically weaker. They don’t walk as far, they are unable to play as they once did, and going up a flight of stairs could even be a challenge. Extra weight on your pet, many times can lead to dangerous or even life threatening diseases such as diabetes, liver problems, orthopedic issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, not to mention possible cardiovascular and heart problems.
How to help your pet lose weight
Believe it or not, most feeding guidelines are formulated for unaltered dogs/cats, you could have been giving your pet 20% more food than necessary, be sure to ask your vet to help you calculate the right amount of food. You can also choose low-calorie, no-sugar goodies that provide a health benefit. Exercise, in as little as 20-30 minutes of brisk walking is all it takes to boost immune function, improve cardiovascular health and reduce many behavioral problems. For cats, try playing with a laser pointer, paper ball or toy for 5-10 minutes.
Massage, can help an overweight pet
Latent issues in the muscular tissue can stop a pet from wanting to exercise or exercising to their full potential. It may hurt them to do long stints of exercise and if they hurt, they will resist any form of exercise.
Massaging can soften tight muscles helping them to work independently, yet in unison. Touch with intent can help to relieve connective tissue restrictions and help to increase circulation and draining the lymph. And, if we can decrease the level of soreness and stiffness, it will most likely result in improved mobility and flexibility plus having a pet that has a desire to be more active.
In summary:
*If your pet is overweight, it is always best to consult with your vet to craft a well-balanced weight control program as well as to rule out any underlying medical problem.
EASE Animal Massage™ is a mobile unit that travels to your home or office. Currently, we service Sewickley, Franklin Park, Bradford Woods, Wexford and Cranberry, PA. We are growing, so check back soon to see our expanded areas, or contact us with any questions on servicing your area.
Visit our website at www.easeanimalmassage.com for more information and to schedule a FREE consultation today.
