How many of you have heard of Obie? Obie is the 77 pound dachsund that's recently made a buzz in the news as he's started on his weight loss program.You see, Obie is morbidly obese. In fact, if he were an average adult male human he would tip the scales at well over 300 pounds. Crippled by his weight, and only 5 years old, we can expect Obie's life to be cut short and riddled with disease and pain. But after his well-meaning owners gave him up to a rescue group, he now has a second chance at life. Already having lost over 10 pounds through a supervised diet and exercise program, Obie is on his way to a happier, longer life.
I've seen too many dogs with the same story. Dogs that are 2-3 times what they should weigh because pet parents are misinformed.These loving but overindulgent owners can't resist those big brown eyes and food is used as a means to show love. Unfortuantely, they are killing them with their kindness. As we Americans grow larger ourselves,a trend is noted in our pet population as well. The Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity reports that about 54% of our pet dogs and cats are overweight or obese as of last October. Tomorrow, declared National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the association starts their annual survey to determine this year's results. Sadly, we can expect the numbers to have grown as they have done in the past. Sadder still, is the fact that nearly 1 out of 4 pet parents views their overweight pet as normal. Fat is the new normal. Despite overwhelming evidence of the negative impact of excess weight on the dog's body systems, pet obesity continues to increase.
This is an owner problem, not a pet problem. Dogs aren't going to the fridge and helping themselves. The single most important decision a pet parent makes for their pet's health every day is what they choose to feed. And what they choose NOT to feed. Its not too late to make a change for the better for your pet. Help is only a phone call away.
I've seen too many dogs with the same story. Dogs that are 2-3 times what they should weigh because pet parents are misinformed.These loving but overindulgent owners can't resist those big brown eyes and food is used as a means to show love. Unfortuantely, they are killing them with their kindness. As we Americans grow larger ourselves,a trend is noted in our pet population as well. The Association for the Prevention of Pet Obesity reports that about 54% of our pet dogs and cats are overweight or obese as of last October. Tomorrow, declared National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, the association starts their annual survey to determine this year's results. Sadly, we can expect the numbers to have grown as they have done in the past. Sadder still, is the fact that nearly 1 out of 4 pet parents views their overweight pet as normal. Fat is the new normal. Despite overwhelming evidence of the negative impact of excess weight on the dog's body systems, pet obesity continues to increase.
This is an owner problem, not a pet problem. Dogs aren't going to the fridge and helping themselves. The single most important decision a pet parent makes for their pet's health every day is what they choose to feed. And what they choose NOT to feed. Its not too late to make a change for the better for your pet. Help is only a phone call away.