Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day everyone. Let’s face it: we have a terrible problem in the pet world. Over 53.8% of US dogs are overweight or obese and 58.2% of US cats are suffering the same fate!
Obesity in pets is dangerous for many reasons but when a Tripawd is overweight they suffer the effects even more. Here’s why it’s so URGENT that parents of Tripawd dogs and cats keep a close watch on their weight.
Excess Weight in Pets Can Cause*
*Source: Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
You fought hard to help your beloved dog or cat make it through amputation surgery and enjoy a better quality of life. Keep the good fight going by carefully feeding and exercising your Tripawd so you two can have many more great days ahead. Here’s what you can do:
Work with your vet to determine an ideal weight. Tripawds must be slimmer than their four-legged counterparts of the same breed-type. Even one pound of excess fat on a dog is the equivalent of five pounds of fat on a human!
Best Of Weight Loss Tips for Tripawd Cats and Dogs
Show love in other ways besides food. It’s natural for us humans to express our love with great treats, but too many can be dangerous. Remember, treats can be anything from toys to more quality time together.
Easy Grain-Free Salmon Treats Recipe for Tripawd Cats and Dogs
Exercise appropriately. Too much of the wrong exercises will predisposition your Tripawd to cranial cruciate tears, joint stress, muscle strain and other injuries. Focus on safe, fun Tripawd exercises like balance games and mental stimulation with puzzles. And remember, a Tripawd who is too exhausted to move after a play session or long walk is telling you they are hurting. Cut back on the activity and focus on correct exercises.
How to Exercise Young, Recovering Tripawd Dogs and Cats
Remember, dogs and cats who are slimmer than others of their same breed and size tend to live two years longer than those who remain overweight. We owe it to our Tripawds to keep them fit and happy for as long as they continue guiding our pack and enriching our lives.
Join the Fight Against Pet Obesity with this Quick Survey
One of our vet heroes and crusaders to end pet obesity is Dr. Ernie Ward, author of “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter.” Dr. Ward is having a book giveaway this month. To enter to win a copy, just fill out his survey.
This Pet Obesity Questionnaire must be completed during October. For every completed survey, you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE copy of Dr. Ernie Ward‘s book on pet obesity, nutrition, and home-prepared meals, “Chow Hounds.â€
Learn More About How to Help Your Tripawd (and other Pets) Lose Weight
Hop over to these VERY enlightening dog and cat weight loss tools at The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention website.