Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Everyone loves a snuggly animal, but sometimes, as pet owners we don’t realize that all the snacks we give our cats and dogs can be doing more harm than good. A recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that almost 60% of cats and 56% of dogs are overweight. Pretty alarming, right?!
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
A fantastic tool to help determine if your pooch has packed on some extra pounds is the body condition score chart.
At an ideal weight, you should be able to feel your pet's ribs under a thin layer of fat, and easily notice their waist.
My cat just likes to lay around, how can I make her exercise?
We all know that it is difficult to make cats do anything they do not want to do, let alone exercise.
Finding interactive toys that your cat enjoys can help the process. Laser pointer toys, “fishing” pole type toys and, for the food motivated, fill-able treat balls, can be extremely helpful in getting your feline friend moving around.
What kind of exercise can my dog do?
There are plenty of ways to get extra exercise with your dog. Some dogs enjoy a good run with their human, but others can benefit from a trip to the dog park, or visit to a daycare facility to play with other dogs when the weather is not at its best. Agility classes are another great way to exercise your pup’s mind and body.
What precautions do I have to take with my pet?
It is always wise to check with your veterinarian before implementing a major activity routine with your pet. Pets with certain health conditions, such as heart disease and osteoarthritis, may need a specific routine tailored to their specific health needs.
I feel bad taking away treats, he loves them!
We never want to withhold from our furry pals, but we do want to make sure we are not overfeeding as well. If you are giving a large amount of treats through the day, remember to taper down the kibble you are giving at meal times. Speaking with your veterinarian about ideal diets and the amount of calories your pet should be having can set you in the right direction!