Overweight pets are likely the result of emotional feeding from owners who would rather give pets treats to show love than exercise them or play with them, according to a new study.
Many people in America are obese – and these days, many of their pets are, too. Sadly, that means that both pets and pet owners may have lot of health problems in common.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 50 percent of America’s dogs and cats are obese or overweight. Just like humans, they get that way by eating too much food and not getting enough exercise. And just like humans, animals that weigh too much can develop diabetes, heart problems, arthritis and breathing disorders.
One of the causes of pet obesity is emotional eating – or, perhaps, emotional feeding. Owners would rather give pets treats to show love than exercise them or play with them.
Experts recommend monitoring pets’ caloric intake and making sure they get enough exercise – most dogs treats are made mostly of carbs and sugar, says the Association.
