May

IS YOUR PET AT A HEALTHLY WEIGHT?

Today Belle, my newfoundland, made an unplanned visit to the vet for some tummy issues.  I will let you read between the lines on that subject, yuck!  Anyway, just like we humans, the first stop at the doctor's office is that horrible scale!  I knew Belle was overweight, now I know how much, 10 pounds.  She weighed in at 145.lbs.,  Brad and I have a job to do.  Get Belle down to a healthy and comfortable weight.






Here are just a few facts about WEIGHT MANAGEMENT IN OUR PETS:


1.  44% of household cats and dogs are overweight and another 16% are likely to be come so.
2.  The averagge life expectancy of an obese pet is 30% shorter than that of a normal-weight pet.
3.   The amount of food suggested on the bag of cat and dog food is usually to much.  Many pets need far less food than the label says.
4.   A medium Milkbone biscuit has 110 calories!
5.   Similar to people, too much weight causes health issues in pets such as  respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

What can we do for our chubby pets?  First, take more walks.  Even if it is just a short walk to the school bus stop, or a nature walk.  Not only are you both burning fat, our dogs always love an adventure and we are relieving a little stress!  Next, take a look at the quality of food you are feeding your pets.  READ THE LABELS!! By Prodcuts are not good, corn and wheat fillers are also not a good ingredient to have in our pets food.  These lead to weight issues and many more serious health issues.  ( I will write a letter soon about dog/cat food quality) And last but not least, Please DO NOT FREE FEED!  Pets will eat and eat and eat!  It is just like a good bowl of salsa and chips in front of us at our favorite mexican food resturant, it is very hard to stop eating.  Pets like routine and schedules, just like our children do.

So on this note, Belle and I are going to change our diet and take more walks.  My birthday is in June, I have set a goal for Belle and I, at least 5 pounds less than our current weight.  

Grab your dog and go for a walk.  For those of you with cats only.  Grab a cat toy and play with your cat.  Something as simple as an empty toilet paper roll,  a string and feather, or a small ball, can be a great way to interact with your cat friend.

Thanks again for visiting my site and taking to time to read my letters.  I hope you find them both informative as well as entertaining.  

Until June,
Kim