Arlington Dog and Cat Hospital 
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Pet Weight Management Take The Pledge and commit yourself to your pet's health! Here is a handy nutritional resource, with a weight tracker and all!!!
www.petfit.com
"The most compelling argument I have found is to point to the studies that show that thinner animals live longer. Who wouldn't want an extra year or two of unconditional love?" It's true. Obesity has become an epidemic amongst our pet population. The important question is: What can we do?!
 According to Dr. Johnny D. Hoskins DVM, "Owners need guidance and determination to achieve lasting success." ("Biting into the Obesity Epidemic", DVM Magazine April 2008) Well look no further. We, at Arlington Dog and Cat, are here to help you with any questions and be your guidance when it comes to maintaining your pet's weight and health. What is all the fuss about? Why can't my pet just live a happy life eating whatever he/she wants? This is why: *Heart Disease ***Diabetes *Osteoarthritis *Hypertension *Pancreatitis *Liver Disease, and more.  *Step 1(and the most important): Recognize and accept that high-calorie treats and inactivity contribute greatly to the obesity epidemic. The trick to weight loss? A combination of exercise, proper diet, lifestyle, and YOUR compliance! It is up to you to make a difference in your furry friend's life. Here's how to do it.  *Check For Excess Weight and Obesity: Ask our veterinarians for help in recognizing signs of excess weight and obesity in your dog or cat. Use this Body Condition Chart to see if your dog or cat is too heavy, too thin or at ideal body condition.
*Measure Each Serving: Don't just fill up your pet's bowl at each feeding! Use a measuring cup to measure the exact amount of food needed. Follow the feeding guidelines on the package, most companies provide a chart. This way, you can give your pet the proper-size serving for his/her ideal body condition. *Limit Treats: Consider calories. Treats contain many calories, and are usually the main culprit when it comes to your pet gaining weight. The second culprit? Table scraps!! Be mindful of the quality and quantity of treats you feed each day calories add up quickly!
*Get Moving: Daily exercise is the key to your pet's health.
Substitute the treat with a healthy tidbit. Carrots, celery, greens, cantaloupe, apple, banana, the possibilites are more than you think. If that doesn't work, be mindful of which treats you purchase. Look for a low calorie, high fiber biscuit. To satisfy your cat's plea, give him/her more attention and praise. That may disract them. If not, rattle the food they have in the bowl, or add 10 or 15 kibbles. | ||||||||||||
Now that we know what it takes to get our pets on track, here's the tough part: giving into the hunger plea. We, as pet owners, have an overwhelming desire to please our pets. And that's great! But, unfortunately, this is the main reason for over-feeding our pets. It's ok to give in to these requests as long as it's a healthy reward!