60% of cats and dogs are obese
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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The epidemic of obesity in the US goes beyond the "human" limits - now the problem of excess weight affects the animals. Home pets not only live soul to soul with their owners, but often share their habits, and at the same time the diet, and if a sedentary lifestyle is added (for example, from the immense love of the owner who is afraid to let his pet out for a walk) it turns out that pets and their masters are gaining weight in pairs.
To solve this problem, the Tufts Cummings Veterinary School opened the first clinic specifically for pets, where qualified veterinarians will provide care.
As studies show, obesity affects up to 60% of cats and dogs. A recent survey of pet owners shows that this figure reaches 70%.
The director of the clinic, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Deborah Linder, explains: "Using the technique of sound exposure, experienced veterinarians will help pets effectively and safely get rid of excess kilograms. There is an opinion that fat, well-fed pets are happy animals, but research proves the opposite. We will try to correct this problem. "
Studies at the Cummings School, as well as other studies have confirmed that for animals obesity is a serious problem. Although dogs and cats are not prone to coronary heart disease - one of the most common causes of death among people, often provoked by being overweight - but they are prone to other diseases, the development of which contributes to obesity. For example, diabetes, orthopedic problems and respiratory complications. In addition, obesity generally lowers quality and life expectancy.
Employees of the clinic predict that by 2015 the number of their patients will increase to 600 per year.
Treatment will be carried out in two ways, depending on the health of the animal. An effective method of weight loss is subjected to pets who will be diagnosed with obesity or overweight. The second method will be directed to the treatment of animals, which, in addition to obesity, suffer from other diseases. The course of treatment will include preventive talks with the patients' hosts.