Holidays and the Pet Obesity Epidemic

The Holiday season is upon us –from what I hear - a busy time of festivities, socializing, and…eating. Yes the “Holiday pounds” get their name for a reason as humanoids can’t resist the increase of treats that show up around the workplace, the extra cocktail parties, and oh yeah, the eggnog. As this time of year is not a friend to those fighting the obesity epidemic in the U.S., I thought it a good time to draw attention to the epidemic proportions that pet obesity is amassing in the U.S. as well. With an estimated 35% of adult pets and 50% of pets over 7 being obese, it is time to revisit this issue in the Second Chance Pet Column.

Although most pets do not develop self-esteem complexes when packing extra pounds, they do, like humans, suffer from more than an aesthetic concern when overweight. For example we do not enjoy the lack of energy and mobility and other quality of life impacts that accompany the unnecessary fat. Of equal significance, obesity carries the same serious health consequences as for our human counterparts: arthritis, diabetes, mellitus, cancer, skin diseases, lower urinary tract problems, and heart disease, to name a few.

So of course, one of the best ways to prevent or reverse obesity is with proper diet and exercise, but here is where the terminology variation exists, with your pets proper diet is now being approached as “Life-Stage & Lifestyle Nutrition” as it is dependent upon what stage of life (growth, reproduction, senior, etc.) a pet is in as well as that pets lifestyle (sedentary vs working/active). Thus, pet parents need to determine the optimal nutrient range for their pet’s peak health and longevity (with counsel from your veterinarian of course).

With research showing that maintaining a pet’s optimal body condition will add 2 years to its life (about 15% to our already limited lifespan) why would you not want to make some changes? It is not too late, if your pet is obese it can be reversed. One simple change is to treat your pets with walks and playtime rather than biscuits and leftovers, in addition to getting dietary recommendations from your veterinarian that address your pet’s individual needs.

My name is Butterfinger, and I am young , sprite, and lean (despite my name) and hoping that whoever decides to adopt me will commit to making sure I stay this way (well at least the lean part) as I enjoy being able to jump nimbly into people’s laps and entertain with my curious and adventurous spirit. Come by Angel Ridge Ranch today to meet me! And please consider sparing your pets the Holiday fudge this year.

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Photos by Real Life Photographs.