Dog Fun
08/13/2018
“Canine Wiles” and Canine Body Language
Rex makes the most adorable faces when it’s time to eat. He puts-on his best behavior as I’m making his…
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Americans are not the only ones whose waistlines are expanding…our pets are getting bigger too. “In 20 years, I have watched pets get supersized in front of my eyes!” says Ernie Ward, DVM, author of Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter, and founder of the APOP, Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. The fifth annual veterinary survey conducted by the APOP found that 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats are overweight or obese as determined by their veterinary. That means that HALF of all the cats and dogs in US households are too fat!
The reasons our pets are packing on the pounds are not that different from the reasons that we are. Just as we are eating larger portions and more snacks than a generation ago, so are our pets. Because our lives are so busy, we are less likely to the get exercise we need too.
Obesity can slash a pet’s life-expectancy and cause them serious health problems. Orthopedic surgeon and APOP Board Member, Dr. Steve Budsberg states that “The prevention of obesity needs to be at the forefront of all discussions people have about the health of their pet with their veterinarian. The body of evidence that shows the negative impact of obesity on all the body’s systems is overwhelming. As an orthopedic surgeon, I see, on a daily basis, the effects of obesity on dogs and cats with osteoarthritis. It is very frustrating to see how much pain and discomfort excess weight has on my patients. Veterinarians and owners have the ability to stop obesity in our pets. No animal goes to the refrigerator or pantry and helps them. We enable our pets to get fat!”
Just as disturbing, says Dr. Ward, is that an inactive pet is more likely to become depressed or anxious.
Treats continue to be a major contributor to weight gain in pets. An online poll found that 93% of all dog and cat owners gave commercial treats, with 26% reporting they gave their pet treats three or more times a day. “Treats are the silent saboteur of slimming down.” remarks Dr. Ward. “Those tiny treats are often hiding a significant number of calories.”
In his book, Chow Hounds: Why our Dogs are getting Fatter, Dr. Ward reveals the following:
Take a look at your four-legged friend. If you can’t see your dog’s waist, that’s a sure sign in a dog’s world that he/she could be obese. A “little overweight” is when you can’t see the rib cage…or “feel” the rib cage in a furry dog.
We all want to keep our furry friends as long as possible. What can you do if your dog or cat needs to lose weight?
Holiday Barn Pet Resorts Daycare
While your dog is visiting Holiday Barn Pet Resorts for the day or for an extended period of time, let us know that you are trying to help him lose weight. We will make sure to limit or eliminate (your choice) treats, and feed only the required amount of food you advise. Also, we can add additional walks and play times to his stay to keep him active.
*All figures 2011 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. For more information or to view the study, go to www.petobesityprevention.org.
Dog Fun
08/13/2018
Rex makes the most adorable faces when it’s time to eat. He puts-on his best behavior as I’m making his…