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Putting your pet on a diet
By cuzzy | January 5, 2008
As the loyal readers of this blog know, Bosco went on a diet last year and had great results. Now he is a trim and happy chocolate guy.
With the holidays behind us and all that holiday food still taking a toll it is important to remember the pets as well.
Wild animals don’t have to make a New Year’s resolution to go on a diet.
“We used to laugh when I was in vet school and say, there aren’t any fat wolves,” says Denver veterinarian Kevin Fitzgerald, of Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets and E-Vet Interns.
Unfortunately for those of us living more domesticated lives — no matter the species — weight is no laughing matter. As more North Americans struggle with obesity, there’s an unsurprising result for the pets sitting on the couch with us. About a third of American pets are overweight, according to some studies.
“Sadly, our companion animals reflect our lifestyle. If you’re sedentary, there’s a pretty good chance your dog is sedentary too,” Fitzgerald says.
Carrying too much weight affects the health of nearly every system of the body — joints, heart, respiratory system, even skin — as well your pet’s lifespan. But the good news is that, unlike many other health issues, this is one where you can make a real difference.
For pets, just like for people, the solution is simple, if not always easy: burn more, eat less. Fortunately, your dog or cat can’t work the can opener, or get into the fridge for a midnight snack. You’re in control.
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Topics: dog news, info, tips and advice |
January 5th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
[…] January 5, 2008 I read this a moment ago, they are talking about making pet on diet, if you feel that your diet is making you better, so why not applying this on your pet? As the loyal readers of this blog know, Bosco went on a diet last year and had great results. Now he is a trim and happy chocolate guy. With the holidays behind us and all that holiday food still taking a toll it is important to … Read more […]
January 5th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I put my dog Sissy on a diet, she is a lot slimmer and gets around a lot better. You might want to read my blog, “FAT Dog”.
May 10th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Respect to article author, some great information.