Happy New Year! It’s Gretchen here again. It seems like each passing year, the time flies by faster and faster, wouldn’t you agree? Do you make New Years resolutions? I used to, but these days, I just try to improve on something in my life. I know for many of us, losing weight is a resolution. Each new year, I see new faces at the gym, but in a couple of months, they aren’t there anymore and it’s back to the regulars. It’s hard to stick to a new routine, especially one that we may perceive as unpleasant, such as eating right and losing weight.
But what about our pets? Unfortunately, pet obesity is at an all time high. Cats and dogs both can become overweight, and some breeds are more prone to it than others. (Labrador owners, I’m talking to you! They have voracious appetites!) I know some people think that food equals love, so their pet gets to eat whatever they want, whenever they want. Then the pet gains weight. Obesity can cause many of the same issues in pets that it does in people.
Purina did a study decades ago that grouped Labrador puppies into two groups: free fed and limited fed. The limited fed lived an entire two years longer than the free fed group. The limited fed pups also enjoyed lives with less diabetes, cancer, Cushing’s disease, infections, and degenerative joint disease.
Here are some concerning statistics:
1 in every 2 pets is overweight or obese.
3 out of 5 pet owners have pets that beg often.
What can we do to help our pets?
Prescription diets help control begging in 82% of pets.
Consider asking for a prescription diet if your pet begs and is overweight, or if your pet is obese.
Weigh your pet weekly. Weight checks are free here at St. Francis Veterinary Care, and you can stop in any time!
Walking your dog also helps walk you!
We have a Labrador patient here that has lost 15 lbs in the past year! Her owner has been watching what he feeds her and exercising her more. She has had joint problems in the past and the start of arthritis, and I’m sure getting that weight off helps her feel much better. Her owner should be commended for his dedication.
We are happy to help you with a weight loss plan for your pet. A pet at a healthy weight will live longer, and you get to enjoy their companionship for many more years. Isn’t that what we all want, for our pets to live a long and healthy life?!