I thought that playing with your pet would be the perfect topic to discuss one of my “pet” pet peeves.  I find the most frustrating issue to deal with to be the number of overweight pets in our homes today.  Dogs and cats are getting larger for the same reasons as their human care givers – too much food and too little exercise.  I used to counsel pet owners that under the supervision of their veterinarian a weight reduction plan can be so rewarding and life lengthening for their animals.  Pets are not self-feeders.  They can only consume the calories that we provide to them.

I will admit as a lifelong bulge battler that it is just as difficult to trim down our pets as to whittle away at our own waistlines.  Also, you should only begin a weight reduction program with your veterinarian’s guidance.  With proper advice, you can help to prevent diabetes, joint problems, heart conditions and your pet will live a longer, healthier life.
Now back to playing with your pet.  Both you and your overweight pet – as well as your optimal-weight pet – will benefit from the exercise involved in a game of fetch, a brisk walk or chasing that feather on a string.  Animals love to move, especially if you are moving with them.  I would bet they actually like exercise more than we do.  Play with them daily if possible but get them some exercise at least three times a week.  It will trim them down and keep them from getting bored.  So if you are trying to lose a few pounds or just trying to stay active, be sure to take your furry friend along.  Just be sure that you work them him up to it gradually if he has been sedentary for awhile.  Be sure to have your veterinarian clear him for the activity you have in mind.  And be honest about his size.  Healthy pets should only have a little padding.  If your lap cat doesn’t have a waistline and can’t groom himself, or you can’t feel your dog’s ribs – he is overweight.

Make the healthy commitment to yourself and your pets.  You’ll have their companionship for many more years.  There really is no excuse for an overweight pet.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

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