Marley is now slim and trim and catching the eyes of many male pups in downtown Portland with her newfound confidence. Her parents continue to monitor her eating habits to help her maintain a healthy weight.
A Health Tip from Marley:
Estimates suggest that 35% of cats and dogs in the United States are obese. Addressing weight issues early can prevent long-term complications such as joint disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and heart disease. Marley has several tips to prevent these life-shortening complications:
• Obesity is caused by taking in more calories than are needed to perform daily functions. Control your pet’s food portions and treats, starting at an early age.
• Feed your pets in defined meals, since leaving food out encourages snacking. Also it is harder feed multiple pets different amounts or different diets.
• For multiple pets in one home, use your creativity to ensure separate feedings. This makes it easier to monitor individual food intake
• Identify a realistic time line for achieving an ideal weight, since rapid weight loss can cause problems. Your veterinarian can offer guidance on a healthy timeline.
• Follow your pet’s weight closely with regular checks on a home scale or at the vet clinic.
• Use interactive toys that can provide exercise when you are away from the home or are unable to actively play with your pet.
The team at Pearl Animal Hospital values the relationship you have with your pet and is committed to helping you to help your pet achieve a healthy weight. As Marley can attest, a healthy body leads to a more fun and comfortable life!
