Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Your Pet and Pain - The Danger of Obesity


As they grow older, dogs and cats are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. I have written about this before but after calling on a couple of cat owners, I am becoming more and more aware of this health issue. Keep in mind that we can do something about our weight but our pets will eat as much as we want to feed them. We can over-do it because we feel that food is an expression of love.

IT IS NOT.

The wrong foods can cause complications even allergic reactions in pets.

Older pets, not unlike their owners, usually have a decrease in activity and their diet is not adjusted accordingly. Senior formula diets are fundamental for older pets because such diets are usually lower in protein and fat and higher in fiber and vitamins, which is beneficial in limiting the workload on the aging liver and
kidneys.

Work with your vet to make sure that your senior pet has a good diet and address their particular nutritional and health needs.

There is a world of information out there on the internet so do some research, keep your pets healthy and active and reduce your vet bills by half.

They love us and depend on us to make the right decision. Remember, have your vet evaluate your pets condition annually and get your pet on a good work out/walk and run program. Red Bud, Town Lake or any of the leash free parks are a good outing for a run.

Remember: No Holiday Snacks from the table and NO Chocolate for the pups!

Words to the wise.

From "The Duke"

Evidence-Based Look at Holistic Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Susan Wynn, who studies and has found an evidence-based approach to finding the right holistic modality for your dog or cat, has brought the idea of this kind of treatment to the forefront.

A couple of websites mentioned by Dr. Wynn that might be useful in your research are:

Veterinary Partner website www.veterinarypartner.com

American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website, www.ahvma.org

Check out Dr. Wynn's information at Georgia Veterinary Specialist, susanwynn.com

Read her blog at vetnutrition.blogspot.com