FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM JULY 19, 2018 • PETS • THE QUEENS COURIER 47
pets
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Fight the Beg
Proper feeding habits can help with pet obesity
When it comes to keeping pets at a
healthy weight, humans can contribute to
both the problem and the solution. Just as
people need to control the temptation to
overindulge, pet owners need to control
the temptation to overindulge their pets.
A survey of pet owners by Royal Canin
in 2018 revealed that more than half of cat
and dog owners always or oft en give their
pets food if they beg for it, and almost a
quarter of cat and dog owners sometimes
overfeed their pets to keep them happy1.
“When sad eyes plead for one more
treat or constant meowing reminds you
the treats are in easy reach, it’s common
for pet owners to give in to the temptation
and play into that begging behavior,” said
Dr. Eric Mueller, veterinarian and Royal
Canin spokesperson. “Unfortunately, in
the long run, those quick responses can
have some damaging results for a pet’s
overall health.”
Estimates suggest that as many as 59
percent of dogs and 52 percent of cats
worldwide are overweight1. Yet according
to the survey, only a quarter of cat and
dog owners describe their pets as overweight.
Th e survey also revealed owners
may not understand how much food
cats and dogs need or what they should
or should not eat.
Th e strong emotional bond between
owners and their pets may be part of the
issue. Many owners express aff ection for
their pets through feeding, which can easily
lead to the pet consuming more calories
than it needs. In the survey, 59 percent
of cat and dog owners said they feel
rewarded when feeding their pets and
77 percent said their animals get excited
about being fed.
However, many owners are not fully
aware of the consequences of overfeeding
their pets. More than 60 percent of survey
respondents were unaware that overweight
pets may be susceptible to diabetes
and orthopedic disease. Pet owners
also reported a lack of awareness in the
relationship between their pets’ excessive
weight and reduced quality of life,
increased risk of heart disease and shorter
lifespans.
Armed with the knowledge that extra
treats and table scraps can have a negative
impact on a pet’s health, Mueller says
it’s never too late to make some changes
for the better:
Talk to a veterinarian. Obesity is a medical
concern. Pet owners should feel comfortable
seeing their veterinarian to start
a conversation about their pet’s weight.
If a veterinarian identifi es that there is an
issue, he or she can develop a weight loss
plan to help a pet reach its ideal weight
and body condition, as well as discuss
solutions to help control begging during
the weight loss process.
Practice smart nutrition. Not surprisingly,
proper nutrition is oft en one of
the fi rst solutions a veterinarian is likely
to recommend to address a pet’s weight
problem. One option your veterinarian
may recommend is ROYAL CANIN
VETERINARY DIET® SATIETY®
SUPPORT cat and dog formulas, which
provide great taste and are clinically proven
to support weight loss and help reduce
begging. Th e formulas use the highest
industry standards and quality ingredients
and are designed to help keep pets
feeling full and satisfi ed between meals.
Focus on portion control. Although
many varieties of pet food include recommended
serving sizes on the packaging,
those servings are general guidelines and
don’t take into account a pet’s unique circumstances
and dietary needs. A better
approach when working to bring a pet’s
weight down is to measure out the recommended
feeding amount directed by
a veterinarian.
Encourage exercise. Encourage regular
physical activity. Th is can be anything
from brief periods of play to long walks.
Remember to adjust the intensity based
on the individual abilities of your pet.
Maintain consistency. Changing behaviors
can be challenging. Your personal
motivation and commitment are critical
to the success of your pet’s weight
loss program. Remember that a pet is not
likely to immediately understand why
the treats have ceased or why mealtime
looks diff erent. Attention-seeking behaviors
may even amplify for a time. Hold
fi rm and be consistent in resisting those
begging eyes and you can fi nd the process
becomes easier for both of you.
Learn more about managing your
pet’s nutritional and dietary needs at
RoyalCanin.com.
Courtesy Family Features