10 reasons why pets take weight without realizing

The extra kilos (in dogs and cats) do not appear during the night, but often we do not realize that our quadruped has gained weight until it is too late. A rounded belly, less energy in play or a lazy giving can be signs of a bigger problem: obesity.
The growing weight in pets is an increasingly common condition between dogs and cats, especially in the urban environment. Unfortunately, many masters do not realize that lifestyle, nutrition or even hidden conditions can contribute to the accumulation of kilograms. Here are 10 frequently, but often ignored reasons for which your ruthless friend can gain weight, without having made.
1.
One of the most common errors is the overestimation of the daily portion of food. Many people nourish «after the eyes», without taking into account the indications on the food package or the weight and level of activity of the animal.
For example, if your cat needs 60 g of dry food per day, but receives 80 g, the difference is collected over time and can lead to obesity. In dogs, differences can be even larger, especially in small or sedentary breeds.
2. The pampering with snacks between meals
Some reward beans, a residue of dinner, a «because it is cute» – all of these seem harmless. But these small snacks may total or even hundreds of calories a day, without taking them into consideration in the daily caloric.
In addition, many masters do not decrease from the main food part if they offer snacks, which contributes to calorie excess.
3. Too little movement
A dog that does not walk every day or a cat that remains all day on the sofa does not consume enough energy. The sedentary lifestyle is one of the main causes of fat accumulation, in particular among animals that live exclusively in the apartments.
Even an extra 15-20 minutes on foot a day or a daily game session with the cat’s wave can make a long-term difference.
4.
The nutritional needs of animals change with age. For example, a puppy needs more proteins and calories, but an adult or senior dog needs a more balanced diet, with less fat. Likewise, sterilized cats tend to have more weight and need special foods, with a low calorie content.
A «generic» food, chosen only for price or advertising, can be too rich in the lifestyle of your animal.

5 .. modified sterilization and metabolism
After sterilization, the animal metabolism slows down and the appetite can increase. If you do not regulate the quantity of food or transmit a formula dedicated to sterilized animals, it is very likely that your friend increases weight in a few months.
6. Hormonal problems or doctors
Some conditions such as hypothyroidism (in dogs) or cushing syndrome can cause weight gain even in normal food conditions. If you notice that your pet becomes fat without an apparent reason or it becomes apathetic, go to the vet for a series of analyzes.
Don’t miss the article Unknown bond between prebiotics, probiotics and dog health (and cats).
7. More family people give him to eat
In many families, several family members can nourish the animal without communicating with each other. A snack of my grandmother, a part of the child and debris from the parents’ table – everyone can mean double or triple the recommended quantity per day.
It is important to have a clear routine: who nourishes the animal and when.
8. Lack of regular weight monitoring
Animals gradually become fat and if you don’t weigh them regularly, the change can be difficult to see. Many masters realize that their animal is overweight only when they reach the vet or when they can no longer capture the dog.
Ideally, you would weigh the dog or cat once a month, at home or in the office and to look at the trend.
9. Food is always available («free power»)
Many masters choose to leave the food at the discretion of the cat or dog, especially if they remain longer. Although cats can self -agingMany animals eat boredom or stress, which leads to excess.
The recommendation of specialists is to respect regular meals and controlled portions.

10. High caloric food
Not all food formulas are the same. Some brands are richer in fats, flavors or carbohydrates, to be more tasteful and more attractive. Even if portions are respected, a very caloric food can lead to fattening over time, especially if the animal is less active.
Choose quality food, adapted to the real needs of your animal. Petmax.ro It offers you variants of diet variants, hypoallergenic or «light» food, for dogs and cats of all ages.
Read from the blog and recent material Is your cat alone at home? Here’s how their natural instinct stimulates.
What can you do if your pet is already overweight?
The first step is To consult your vet to exclude medical causes. So, together with the specialist, you can set a Safewhich includes:

• Regulation of daily food portions
• Move on to the diet or light diet
• The gradual increase in the level of activity
• Monthly weight monitoring
• Eliminate unnecessary snacks

Here you have some useful suggestions if …Is your dog hungry? Here are 10 signals you need to know.

Conclusion
The love for our animals is expressed by care, not through excessive food. An animal with the right weight is a more active, healthier and happier animal. By understanding the hidden causes of weight gain, we can prevent problems before arising – or we can correct them in time.
On the Petmax.ro blog you will find other useful items on the balanced diet of dogs and cats – and in the online store you have a careful selection of products for special nutritional needs. The cure starts from the bowl of the food!
See here the section of dry and wet food for cats!