Friday, January 25, 2008

We're Not Just Killing Ourselves Anymore - October 16, 2007

Our nations lack of physical fitness and portion control awareness has attacked another cherished loved one - our pets!

According to Purina.com, obesity is the number one nutritional disorder among dogs and cats in the U.S. Here's the article, but the bottom line is that regular exercise will benefit both of you. So grab the leash and get moving!

And now the article...

The fact is, obesity can shorten your pet's life span, impair heart and breathing functions, cause digestive distress, and lead to other chronic conditions like arthritis in dogs and diabetes in cats. There are many things you can do to help avoid weight issues in your pet. Here are just a few to get you started:

1. Avoid feeding table scraps and excessive treats.
2. Instead of filling the bowl, measure your pet's food based on the feeding amount recommended on the back of the package.
3. Observe your pet over time to see if you need to adjust the amount of food given in order to maintain ideal body condition.
4. Consider switching to a lower-calorie Purina® food if your pet's activity slows down.

In order to help your pet keep off extra pounds, he or she must burn the calories consumed. The best way to do this is through regular exercise or play, which should go hand-in-hand with a proper diet. In addition to being healthy for you and your pet, exercise is also a great way to bond. The key is to make sure that the two of you are engaging in exercise or active play every day and that each “session” is at least 10 to 15 minutes long. Remember, always consult your veterinarian before beginning your program.

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