Weighing In
By Dr. Donald Dinges, DVM

Fat…it is common in our vocabulary…Fats Domino, Minnesota Fats, “Fat Chance”, “living off the fat of the land.” Unfortunately, it is common in our pets as well. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 50% of domestic pets are overweight. Major advertising firms would love to introduce the latest diet craze to the pet owning public. I can see it now, “Try the new Catkins diet” or “Remember, only six grams of carbs in every mouse.” Fad diets are great; they help stimulate the economy, however, the only true avenue to slimness is through calorie control and exercise. As Will Rodgers once said, “If your pet is overweight, you are not getting enough exercise.”

Your veterinarian will be glad to evaluate your pet’s body condition and discuss nutritional plans for optimum weight and health on your pet’s next visit. With any luck at all, your pet will be able to fit into a two-piece swimsuit by next season.

The risks of obesity are as follows:

1.) Greater risk for arthritis – pet feels the gravitational force of Jupiter rather than Earth.

2.) High risk for diabetes – creates new meaning to “what a sweet pet”.

3.) Lower lung capacity – without smoking two packs a day.

4.) Greater stress to the heart and circulatory system

And finally, there are some household tips, with apologies to Jeff Foxworthy, indicating your pet is probably overweight if:

• Your garage door has become the dog door
• You spray pledge on your cat’s belly to dust the hardwood floors
• You lose your car keys in the fat rolls of your dog You put your pet on a talking scale and the scale replies, “One at a time”
• Your cat plays taxidermy (looks stuffed and won’t move)
• Your pet sounds like a wet bag of cement hitting the ground when jumping from the bed