(ARA) – Humans aren’t the only ones fighting the battle of the bulge. The number of overweight dogs and cats in America continues to rise. Nearly half (45 percent) of dogs and 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese (at least 20 percent above ideal weight), according to a recent survey of veterinarians by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
“Many owners don’t realize that excess weight puts their pets at greater risk for developing serious health problems, including arthritis and diabetes,” says Dr. Grace Long, a veterinarian with Nestle Purina. “While those health conditions can be nutritionally managed, obesity can be reversed.”
Fortunately, help exists for concerned pet owners. Dr. Meredith Rettinger, a veterinarian with Laurel Pet Hospital in West Hollywood, Calif., recently supervised a series of eight overweight pets and their owners as they participated in Project: Pet Slim Down – a 90-day weight loss journey documented online. Project: Pet Slim Down is a nationwide program from Purina Veterinary Diets that unites pet owners and veterinarians in helping pets lose weight.
Dr. Rettinger offers five simple “Slim Down Secrets” to help you – working with your veterinarian – help your pet live a leaner, healthier life.
Secret 1: Have your veterinarian rule out medical reasons for excess weight.
Some conditions can lead to weight gain. Your veterinarian can screen for these and help to manage them before starting a weight loss program.
Secret 2: Don’t say “I love you” with food.
Instead, spend quality time with your pet. Take your dog for a walk or play with your cat using a fluffy tail wand.
Secret 3: Increase your pet’s activity level.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian first, so you keep the exercise safe and appropriate for your pet’s age and health status.
Secret 4: Make portion control a priority.
Your veterinarian can tell you the exact amount of food to feed your pet each day to achieve a healthy weight, so you don’t need to guess. Track intake carefully, and make sure everyone in the household knows not to exceed the daily volume of allowed food.
Secret 5: Treats count, too.
If you are feeding your pet treats, these calories need to be subtracted from the total calories allotted for the day, and they shouldn’t exceed 10 percent of that allotment. Consider low-calorie treats, or break treats into smaller pieces for more rewards with the same amount of calories.
For more information on Project: Pet Slim Down, go to projectpetslimdown.com.
