New Year's resolution

New Year’s Resolution

About 60% of dogs and cats in the US are overweight. Let’s include our pets in a new years resolution to get them to lose weight!

Why is this important? There are many health and financial implications. Not only is arthritis and mobility an issue but obesity increases the risk of heart disease, pancreatitis, fatty liver, heat stroke, urethral obstruction in male cats, diabetes, back problems and can exacerbate any other illness.

A lifetime study in labrador retrievers found that the lean participants lived on average two years longer than the overweight group with the added benefit of delayed onset of chronic illness.

Weight loss of just 6-8% can help reduce the lameness of dogs that have arthritis.

Now how do we get our pets to lose weight?  It is easier said than done.

1. Avoid table scraps, if you feel the need to give something, give a baby carrot as a treat.
   
2. Each treat for a small dog is like giving a donut to a person. The calories add up quick.
   
3. Measure food and give an exact amount per day based on a recommendation from your veterinarian. Feed each pet separately so you can make sure they are not overeating or stealing the other pet’s food.
   
4. Pets will always seem hungry. Whenever they beg for food take them on a walk. This way they are distracted and end up eating less and burning off more calories.
   
5. If still having trouble losing weight there can be an underlying medical condition like an underactive thyroid that occasionally will occur with dogs.
   

Good luck with the New Year’s resolution!

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