Is Your Pet Fat or Fluffy?

Maybe your pet just has "big bones". Or maybe it is part of the 25% of American pets who are overweight. The incidence of obesity has increased dramatically in the past several years. There are many reasons for this trend. Owners are working more and have less time to exercise themselves or their pets. Cats and dogs are tempted to over eat by the tasty nature of their food.

Obesity is defined as being 20% over your ideal weight. And what is ideal? Place your thumbs on your pets' spine over the chest. With a little pressure from your fingers, you should be able to feel the ribs. If you can't, it is probably fat and not fluff.

How to get your chubby pet to slim down? Watch the snacks, control the portions they are fed, and keep exercising. There are some medical reasons for unexplained weight gain, but the usual reason is to much love from us, in the form of food.

Before you start your pet on a weight reduction program, see your veterinarian because "It is Your Pet...Health Matters."