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Taking Care of a Fat Dog
Taking Care of a Fat Dog
Learn how to tell if your dog is overweight, and what
you can do help it slim down.
October 17, 2004
Paunchy pooches and fat cats are no laughing matter. Just
as with humans, carrying excess pounds can have serious health
consequences for your pet, causing cardiac disease, diabetes,
arthritis -- many of the same ailments that afflict overweight
humans.
Echoing the obesity epidemic that afflicts America's adults
and children, recent studies estimate that as many as 40 percent
of America's pets are overweight.
The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) urges
all pet owners to help their furry friends slim down to ensure
a healthier, happier, and longer life. Pet owners should work
with their veterinarians to rule out any serious health problems
and start a diet and activity program suited to their individual
pets.
"Just like us, it's easy to let our pets become couch potatoes,"
said CVMA President Jon Klingborg, DVM. "Helping our animal
friends lose weight and become leaner can extend the length
and quality of their lives. It could be the best gift you
ever give yourself -- and your pet."
Treating overweight pets can be costly. According to Veterinary
Pet Insurance, pet insurance claims for obesity-related illnesses
have risen steadily in recent years. Heart-related claims
have jumped 47 percent in the last two years, while diabetes
claims are up 16 percent and hypertension up 27 percent. The
cost of prescriptions to treat these illnesses also has increased.
How do you know if your pet is too portly? Veterinarians
recommend an easy, visual test: Looking down on your pet,
you should see a defined waist. From a side profile, nothing
should drag on the ground. Another gauge is to gently press
on the side of your pet's rib cage. If you can easily feel
the ribs, your pet is likely not overweight. If you have to
press harder to feel the ribs, your pooch or kitty is likely
a little too heavy.
If your pet appears overweight, consult with your veterinarian
to rule out a thyroid or other medical condition that may
be contributing to weight gain.
If a medical condition is ruled out, the CVMA recommends
pets receive a healthy diet and regular exercise to help lose
weight. Check with your veterinarian for a diet suited to
your pet's size, age, and activity level. Then schedule weigh-ins
at your veterinary hospital to keep track of lost pounds.
A change of diet can make a difference, and you can reduce
intake over a period of time by feeding smaller amounts at
each meal. Be sure your pets are not feeding out of food bowls
of neighborhood pets. Just as many kids would choose a candy
bar over a carrot stick, pets can become addicted to high-calorie
treats. Don't reward your pet with ice cream, cookies, or
table scraps.
Get moving whenever you can. Instead of treating your dog
to a doggie biscuit, grab the leash and take it outside for
an invigorating walk or run. With dogs, playing fetch or tug-of-war
are ideal games to burn off extra calories. Cats love toys
they can bat around, containers and paper bags to climb into,
posts to stretch and scratch on, or anything they can chase.
Even lizards, birds, and bunnies can get exercise in safe,
controlled spaces.
Be sure that all family members are feeding your pet the
same amount and that no one is duplicating feedings. One family
member's "bowl-full" may be twice as generous as it needs
to be.
Schedule a veterinary check-up today and get your pet on
the scale to better health.
For more information on keeping your pet slim and healthy,
contact Melissa Stallings at the CVMA at 916-649-0599.
The California Veterinary Medical Association is the largest
state veterinary medical association in the United States,
with more than 5,000 members. Founded in 1888, its mission
is to serve its membership and community through innovative
leadership and to improve animal and human health in an ethically
and socially responsible manner.
Visit the CVMA website at: http://www.cvma.org
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