The Problems of a Few Extra Pounds

If the scale shows a few extra pounds this New Year, you may not look or feel as good as you normally do. But a few extra pounds on your furry friend is a much bigger deal, especially for a small or medium-sized dog. Just a 15% weight gain, which for a 10-pound dog would equate to just a pound and a half, is enough to cause harmful inflammatory changes in your pup’s body. Excess weight can cause many of the same problems you experience, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, joint problems, and more.

Count your Calories

You probably monitor your weight enough to know when you need to shed some pounds and how many. Can you say the same about your pup? Many owners don’t realize their pet is overweight. A good rule of thumb is you should be able to feel (not see) the ribs by running your hands lightly over his or her sides. If you can’t, there is too much fat covering them and it’s time for a diet change.

Just like for you, calorie intake is the predominant factor in weight gain. If calorie intake exceeds the calories your pup burns, he or she may not fit into that new Christmas jacket. But how do you know how many calories are too much? The Pet Nutrition Alliance has a handy calorie calculator to determine how many calories will keep your dog at a healthy weight. Then find a high-quality dog food, read the label, and measure their food to make sure you are feeding the appropriate amount to maintain or achieve a healthy weight. We at Powell Veterinary Service can help you with food and diet recommendations. In some cases, a prescription dog food may be the best choice.

So while you resolve to cut out snacks, desserts and fatty foods, look at your dog’s diet as well. No, that extra piece of bacon will not make her love you more.

Get to the Gym (or Not)

The local gym may provide the tools and incentive to carve those extra pounds off your waist, but it most likely frowns on canine patrons. But that’s OK, you have plenty of other options that are perfect for both of you and don’t involve sweating alongside a bunch of other buffed and not-so-buffed bodies.

A daily walk before or after work is an easy addition to your routine. Your pet will become so accustomed to it, they will not let you avoid the excursion by hitting the snooze button, or plopping down on your easy chair after a long day. No more excuses. Depending on you and your dog’s activity levels, this can also be a run or even a bike ride for a well-trained doggy pal. If weather or other circumstances prevent outside activities, yes, your pup can learn to walk on a treadmill, alongside you or alone.

Agility training is an excellent way for your dog—and you—to get exercise. Think of it as an obstacle course for dogs. Some dog parks have a few agility obstacles. You can contact local dog clubs or training facilities to find agility training classes and courses. You can even put up a few obstacles of your own in your yard. A child’s play tunnel is an easy obstacle; a broom supported on each end makes a good high (or low) jump; and a slalom run can be fashioned out of most any type of sticks or poles that your pup can weave through. Use your imagination. Don’t forget, it’s a team effort. You have to run alongside to show them where to go next.

If your pup is a social butterfly, or wants to be, make a play date with other dogs in the neighborhood and their owners. They’ll get exercise, improve their socializing skills and have fun. It’s a chance for you to socialize as well, which is important for overall happiness and well-being.

When you resolve to get in shape, make it a joint effort with your furry friend. Exercise is always more fun with a partner. Get healthy together.

Do you and your pup a favor and make 2018 a great year for getting and staying healthy. And don’t forget routine healthcare for both of you. Make that appointment now. Powell Veterinary Service will be happy to take care of your needs—at least your dog’s.

The post New Year, New You, New Dog? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

What’s Causing the Pet Obesity Epidemic?

Well, that’s not hard to figure out. It’s the same cause as the obesity epidemic in the human population—too much food, too little exercise. But your pet can put the blame squarely on your shoulders. You are the one who provides the food and exercise.

You love your cat or dog, but sometimes you love them in unhealthy ways. Often you can’t resist giving one more treat to show your affection, or you don’t pay attention to the feeding guidelines for your pet’s food, or you get in the habit of adding table scraps to his or her food because you feel sorry that they have to eat the same kibble or pouch food every day. But your kindness could be killing them.

What Are the Consequences of Pet Obesity?

Even a few extra pounds can be harmful for your pet’s health. An overweight dog or cat is at greater risk for high blood pressure, respiratory problems, kidney disease and heart disease. They are at a much greater risk of developing diabetes as well as certain types of cancer. The extra weight is hard on your animal’s joints, which is painful and can lead to arthritis and other bone and joint conditions. These are not conditions you should take lightly—if you want to have more healthy years with your furry friend.

How Do You Know Your Pet Is Overweight?

It’s a sad statistic that more than 50% of U.S. pets are overweight, but it’s even sadder that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, only 17% of owners believe their pet is fat.

If you take your pet for regular visits to your veterinarian, he can let you know if your friend is at a healthy weight. But there are some things you can look at yourself. When you view your pet from the side, his or her abdomen behind the rib cage, should be tucked up. When you look from above, you should see a clear waistline, and when you feel your pet’s body, you should be able to feel the ribs, spine and hip bones.

Also, you can use general guidelines for what your animal should weigh. For example, a golden retriever should weigh 65-75 pounds, a beagle should weigh 18-30 pounds and a Yorkie less than 7 pounds. VCA Animals provides a list of what most dog breeds should weigh. You can use it as a guideline for what your dog should weigh. Most cat breeds should weigh less than 10 pounds, except for the Maine Coon, which can get up to 25 pounds.

What Can You Do to Get Your Friend Back on Track?

It’s not rocket science: less food, fewer treats, and more exercise. However, you should first consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical cause, especially if the weight gain was sudden. Then talk to him about a safe diet plan that will help with weight loss. Just as with humans, weight loss should be gradual. Here are a few other things you can do on your own:

• Feed a high-quality, low-fat, low-carb pet food and feed according to the directions.
• Avoid high-fat, high calorie treats. Try sweet potatoes, green beans, bananas and baby carrots, or tiny training treats.
• No more table scraps, you’re just adding calories.
• Get up off the couch. An overweight animal tends to be more sedentary, which exacerbates the weight problem. Regular walks will do you both good. Don’t do a 5K immediately—just take baby steps at first. Use laser lights or feather toys to encourage activity for your cat.
• Keep a record of your pet’s weight to monitor progress.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention  has a set of tools, such as calorie counters, exercise tips and daily food and exercise logs you can use to help your cat or dog shed the pounds.

Obesity is one of the most serious health problems your pet faces, but it’s also one of the most preventable. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Enlist the help of your veterinarian. He can suggest a proper diet for your cat or dog’s situation and recommend how fast they should lose the extra pounds. Plus, your veterinarian’s office has a scale that he typically won’t mind you using to monitor your pet’s weight loss progress. If you think your furry friend is getting a bit pudgy, give Powell Veterinary Service a call at 970-352-9164,  and we can set up an appointment for an evaluation and subsequent diet plan.

The post The Scary Truth About Pet Obesity first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.