World Obesity Day: Pets deserve special attention and care

On World Obesity Day, which takes place on October 11th, it is essential to remember that pets can also face problems of being overweight. Just like in humans, obesity in animals can lead to a series of complications and diseases and, therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and take measures to keep them healthy and fit.

According to Petlove’s veterinarian, Joana Portin, it is not difficult to identify whether the pet is overweight. When he has visible fat on his belly, when the collar is getting tighter or even when he is less active, with less energy to play and exercise, these are indications that he is probably obese. Other common symptoms that Joana Porti highlights are:

• Difficulty feeling the ribs when touching the pet;
• Apparent thick layer of body fat;
• Large amounts of fat in the neck, chest, base of the tail and groin area;
• Complete absence of waist and distended abdomen.

There are several factors that can lead animals to obesity, including the fact that they are elderly. Among the main ones, overfeeding and lack of physical exercise stand out, which harm the well-being and health of pets. Portin also highlights the importance of regulating food, especially the snacks that are offered to pets.

“Do not offer human food leftovers, as they may contain many refined carbohydrates, seasonings and fats which, together with the normal diet, can contribute to an excess of energy intake”,

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The professional also comments that owners need to educate dogs and cats so that they do not get into the habit of staying around the table when eating. Regarding the practice of physical exercise, she explains that the activities are very important, as “they bring an improvement in the insulin response, a hormone that controls glucose, thus preventing sugar levels from rising in the bloodstream”, explains Joana.

The Petlove veterinarian points out that overweight animals are more likely to develop cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal problems, diabetes and ophthalmological diseases. Therefore, it is essential to promote weight loss to ensure a better quality of life and well-being.

Taking care of your pet’s health is a demonstration of love and affection. Therefore, it is important that the animal is taken for regular veterinary appointments, avoiding not only obesity, but also other diseases. The Petlove professional explains that it is necessary to carry out a physical assessment with a professional, but the care does not stop there.

“Complementary tests can also clarify whether there are major complications such as increased blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and/or whether there is already a deposit of fat in the liver. When obesity is already established, hormonal check-ups can also be included and, depending on the clinical assessment, a cardiological check-up”,

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Portin also remembers that having a pet health plan can be a good ally to help maintain the well-being of dogs and cats, as there are very affordable options (such as Petlove plans, which start from R$19.90 per month) and which have national coverage that includes consultations, exams and vaccines, which provides peace of mind for the owner and pet by guaranteeing the necessary care even in unpredictable situations.

Launch of the Our Pets Web Series: Obesity

Thinking about the importance of health care for obese and overweight dogs and cats, Petlove premieres the second season of its web series, entitled “Our Pets: Obese”, a documentary that features reports from owners with pets in this condition, as well as guidance of veterinary specialists to prevent and treat the issue. The first episode is now available for free on Petlove’s YouTube channel, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj5eMsL1K4Y.

About the Petlove Group

Founded in 1999, Petlove began its activities as an e-commerce, a pioneer in the sector in the country, and today it is consolidated as the first pet ecosystem in Brazil. Currently, the company encompasses other business fronts, such as health, accommodation and services, always focused on offering complete solutions for guardians and pets, whether in the virtual or in-person world. With DogHero’s health plan fronts and services, the company connects the customer’s journey, which can resolve all pet-related issues in one place.

The company also has a strong presence in the B2B segment and seeks to value professionals in the sector, with solutions aimed at veterinarians and pet shops, entrepreneurs and pet sitters, strengthening the entire pet ecosystem through technical content platforms and assistance to veterinarians and business management with the brands Vet Smart and Vetus, respectively.

*With information from consultancy

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