Sarah Southard, DVM

by Sarah Southard, DVM

New Year, New Pet Wellness Goals

This article was first published in our January, 2018 issue. With the dawning of a new year, many of us are making resolutions as we plan to better our lives over the coming months. We’re planning to prepare healthier meals at home, exercise daily, eliminate toxins from our homes, finally read those great classics we’ve heard so much about, and communicate regularly with Great-Aunt Mary and Uncle John.

It is important to make some plans and changes for our pets as well. A 2016 clinical survey performed by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that nearly 54% of dogs and almost 59% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese*. Just as with humans, pets carrying extra weight are at increased risk for various diseases or injuries which can include diabetes, high blood pressure or other heart disease, arthritis, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, damage to ligaments in the legs, and spinal injuries. Ultimately, overweight pets live shorter lives as well. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2002 found that dogs fed a decreased amount of calories lived almost two years longer than dogs fed a higher calorie diet*. While it is tempting for us to show our love for our pets by feeding them extra food or special treats, it is much safer and much more loving for us to spend extra time playing and interacting with them instead. There are many options for increasing your pet’s activity level. For dogs, extending their usual walk or run by a few minutes each day or encouraging games in the yard or house are great ideas. Throw a ball or frisbee, play a game of tug of war, or train your pup in agility activities. Cats seem a little trickier, but all it takes is a little imagination. They are intrigued by anything that moves and will usually stalk, chase, and pounce on a bug, laser light, or toy dangled from a stick. I once spent a few weeks living with a couple whose cat was trained to fetch! The toys do not have to be extravagant either. My mom’s cat loves nothing more than a plastic drinking straw or piece of tissue paper from a gift. Good activity options for smaller pets such as hamsters, gerbils, and chinchillas include exercise wheels in their cage or exercise balls in which they can roam around the room. Be sure to correctly match the size of the wheel or ball to the size of your pet. This new year, make your pet’s health and wellness a priority. Schedule a check-up for your furry friend and be sure to discuss your pet’s weight and body condition score (a scale used to determine underweight, ideal, overweight, or obese condition) with your veterinarian. If your pet needs to lose a few pounds to feel their best and protect their health, ask your veterinarian to formulate a plan to help you meet your pet’s wellness goals. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise program throughout the lives of your pets will add years to their lives. What better way can you love your pet than that? *petobesityprevention.org