Pet Obesity

Just like us, a well-balanced nutritional intake and regular exercise is important for your furry friends. October 8 is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and with that we thought it important to highlight approximately 54% of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight. Today we want to help raise awareness to the dangers obesity may have on your pet. 

If you are unsure your pet is overweight there are several tools for which you can utilize to help better assess. First and foremost is your veterinarian, followed by online resources that show specifics on breeds and their ideal appearance and weight. A general rule of thumb to go by is being able to feel their ribs, but not seeing them. 

Here are some additional tips to help aid in keeping your pets weight in check. 

1. Talk with your veterinarian as they are the best resource for helping you. They can work with you to create a plan to help control, monitor and improve your pet’s weight. They are also able to recommend ways to help your pet lose weight in a healthy and safe way.
2. Calorie control. A wide variety of pet foods exist, always be certain to check nutrition labels for the best quality ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers. Avoid table scraps and try to limit the number of treats. Try to ensure treats are of the healthy variety. 
3. Consistency. Ensure feeding portions are consistent, place a cup in the bag to keep amounts the same. Feed them on a consistent schedule, and avoid overfeeding. Consider using an automatic feeder as this helps to keep a consistent schedule and amount. 
4. Go outside! Not only is it great for your pet, but you too! Take a nice walk around the neighborhood or park. A session of catch is always a great way to keep your dog moving and staying healthy. 

Similar to humans, pet obesity can have the same severe unfavorable effects as well. Disorders that are common with pet obesity include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and so forth. If you are unsure about your pets weight, schedule an appointment with us today and start the conversation of getting them on a healthier track! 

Should You Add Pumpkin To Your Pet's Diet?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

It's pumpkin season!  While you and your family indulge in festive drinks and treats, don't forget about your pets.  In moderation, canned pumpkin can be a healthy addition to your cat or dog's diet.

Pumpkin Health Benefits:

• Urinary Tract - The oils contained in the seeds and flesh of pumpkins help pets who suffer from kidney and bladder stones.
• Digestion - Pumpkin is a great source of fiber.  This helps pets who need to reach a healthy weight, as well as those who suffer from diarrhea and constipation.  Fiber is an important part of your cat's diet, especially in geriatric years.
• Furballs - Instead of hacking up furballs, adding a very small amount of pumpkin to your cat's diet (about a teaspoon a day), will help move furballs along through the digestive tract and into the litter box.
• Overall Nutrition - Pumpkin flesh and seeds are filled with vitamins and minerals that are good for your pet.  They help your pet stay healthy and even aid in weight loss.

While canned and cooked pumpkin are a healthy addition to your pet's diet, you shouldn't let your cat or dog eat raw pumpkin.  Read this article for more information on the health benefits of pumpkin and how you can safely prepare it for your pet.  If you aren't sure how your cat or dog will react to a change in diet, contact our office.  We are happy to answer any questions you have about how you can keep your pet healthy throughout the fall season!

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Pet Food Marketing Buzzwords

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Pixabay / bykst

We want to make sure that our pets are receiving high quality, fresh food.  However, the pet food market can be confusing and misleading.  With more than 3,000 different pet food brands, how do you know which option is best for your pet?  Here are a few tips to help you better identify healthy pet food.

Marketing Buzzwords:

• Natural
• Premium
• Gourmet
• Holistic
• Human-Grade

These marketing buzzwords don’t have a legal definition.  This means that there is no standard that products need to meet to say that their products meet any of these qualities.  However, marketers use them because they know they attract pet owners.  While pet foods that use these terms can be healthy, they do not necessarily guarantee that the pet food is healthy.  We remind pet owners to always read labels!  You can also look for foods that have undergone feeding trials as recommended by the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).  This will help ensure that the food is nutritious for your pet.

If you still aren’t sure what pet food is best for your pet, contact our office!  We can help you decide on a healthy and economical diet for your pet without all of the marketing hype.