Thursday, May 30, 2013

Mission Slimpossible and Project Pet Slim Down®


The health problems of obese animals include reduced life span, reduced activity, impaired heart, liver, & breathing functions, digestive disturbances, increased surgical risk, skin problems, arthritis, slipped disks, heat stress, increased diabetes risk, fat around the internal organs, anal gland impaction and excessive gas and/or constipation. Overweight cat problems include lameness, diabetes, skin disease, risk for urinary tract disease, liver disease or failure, osteoarthritis and ligament damage.

Researchers found that a lean fed dog will live 1.8 years longer, delay the onset of osteoarthritis by 3 years, and have healthier blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and heart rates. The researchers also observed that the dogs also had fewer visible signs of aging such as graying muzzles and reduced activity level.

Common causes of obesity are high-fat diet, heredity, lack of exercise or hormonal disorders. The most common is over-consumption of food. As Americans continue to adapt to a more sedentary and pampered lifestyle so will our pets. The number one way to help your pet is...
Eat Less, Move More.

Did you know?

Three extra pounds on a Boston Terrier is equal to 30 extra pounds on a 150 pound human!

Americans are getting heavier, and so are our pets. Some pet owners think their dogs are just a little fluffy or big boned, while others can equate feeding their dogs with showing them love. Studies indicate that 50 % of pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese, a condition that creates or contributes to a wide range of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disorder among dogs & cats. With overweight pets, there's more to love but there may be less time to do so.

It is important to keep your dog lean. An ideal body condition will add almost 2 years to your dog's lifespan and be considerably healthier. About 40% of owners think their animal is a normal weight but are incorrect.

Project Pet Slim Down®

It is never too late to help your pet with Purina Project Pet Slim Down Program®. With the help of overweight management food like Purina OM, pets are able to move more quickly and returned to a healthier condition. Our veterinarians will assess your dogs and cats for the body condition score based on #1- #9, where ideal is #4-#5. We will calculate the proper amount of food for your animals to lose weight at the safe ideal percent. 

Many weight loss programs fail at home but with the proper food and our help your pet can have a healthy approach to shedding fat, not muscle. Although weight loss may occur with any food, a special diet may be recommended if the amount of weight loss is not optimal. For example, Purina's OM food is low in calories and fat, high in protein, an optimal level of fiber helps pet feel full and is great tasting. 

Help your pet be trimmer!

We are joining together with Purina's Project Pet Slim Down® in a 12 week weight loss program. We recommend scheduling weight evaluations every two or four weeks (depending on your schedule), with prizes for all pets that lose weight. Please call Nickel City at 716-847-1000 to set up a free nutritional consult with Dr. Poltis on June 13 from 3-6 pm to discuss an action plan for your pet. Make our diet and exercise recommendations a part of your pet's daily routine, and get ready to love them longer.