Pet in the Spotlight - Eddie
This was Eddie in December 2009. Although he may just look "fluffy," he was obese, weighing in at 67 pounds! He had numerous health issues and his owner wanted to help him. Her other dogs were not overweight and her owner is avid about exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. But Ed really LIKED to eat. With her family on board for the change, she began limiting the amount Eddie was allowed to eat, and continued to exercise him. It took some time, as you can imagine, but today Ed weighs and incredible 38 pounds!
That is almost 30 pounds of weight loss - he lost almost half of his body mass! His other health problems have resolved and everyone is much happier. His owner states that it was "easy" - meaning the science behind losing weight is not a difficult concept - its a balance of calories in and calories burned. We see many overweight and obese animals at Best Friends Animal Hospital and one study showed that 1/3 of all pets are overweight!
Some of the secondary health problems due to obesity include: arthritis, respiratory or breathing issues, diabetes mellitus, hepatic lipidosis, reduced life span, and increased surgical/anesthesia risks. Pet obesity is an enormous problem in our animals - this website is dedicated just to pet obesity! We try to educate all owners on how to get their pet to lose weight but few of them have the dramatic change that Eddie did. But look at how wonderful he looks now and, per his owner, how much healthier and happier he is! This is proof that getting pets to an ideal weight takes commitment and effort, but is not expensive and CAN be done. Please let us know if you think your pet is overweight and want help in a plan to get him or her down to an ideal weight. Let Eddie and his family be your inspiration! Here are pictures of Eddie today:
