Pet Obesity is one of the most serious and widespread health concerns in Veterinary Medicine. 44% of Dogs in the US are Overweight or Obese! 57% of Cats in the US are Overweight or Obese! Chances are one or more pets in your family are carrying excess weight that will Shorten their lives, Increase the risk of diseases including Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Respiratory disorders, High blood pressure, Heart Disease, and many forms of Cancer. Obesity results when calories being consumed exceed calories being burned. We know that our clients love their pets and consider them as family members - so why are we killing our pets with calories?? Where our pets are concerned, we too often have taken the attitude that LOVE=FOOD. It also seems that many of our pets have accepted this form of gratification and encourage it. It takes far less time to sneak your dog a cookie than to take him for a walk. A recent study clearly showed that lean dogs lived almost 2 years longer than their heavy counterparts, and in addition to a longer quantity of life they led a better quality of life with far less health problems as they aged. Because we want our patients to be around and healthy for as long as possible, we have put together a set of tools, tips and resources to encourage dog and cat owners to help their pets become more healthy. While some protocols are the same for dogs and cats, there are some unique challenges for each which we have addressed. Don’t think that your pet is overweight? You would be amazed how many owners are surprised when we tell them their dog or cat has “excess baggage”. Find out for sure. Bring your pet to either location and we will be happy to do a complimentary Body Condition Score Assessment - or do your own assessment at home using the Body Condition Score Chart on our Obesity Page, which you can access from our “Hot Topics” tab on our site or directly from the following link. We encourage your feedback and any questions or comments that you may have. Resolve to adopt a more healthy lifestyle for yourself in 2010 ? Include your pet in the challenge. |
| Westcoast Veterinary Hospital, P.A. 239-598-2202 In the Greentree Center at Airport & Immokalee Rds. Hours M-F 8:30 -5:30 Sat 8:30-1:00 Naples Safari Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, Inc 239-592-1950 on Vanderbilt Beach Rd just East of Livingston Rd. Hours M-F 8:00-5:00 Sat 8:00-12:00N www.NaplesPetVet.com |