With pet obesity on the rise for the sixth straight year in a row take a closer look at your dog or cat … is their hourglass shape gone, or is his or her belly sagging?  Maybe it is time for your pet to lose some weight.  We all think,  Fido looks so cute with a few extra pounds, but just as with humans those pounds can set them up for some serious health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, bladder/urinary tract disease and asthma just to name a few.

Speak with your veterinarian about how many calories you need to feed your dog or cat daily, how much exercise your pet can handle based on their health and perhaps change to a food with fewer calories.  High calorie treats may be switched to a healthier option of carrots or broccoli.  Start taking your dog for a walk and slowly increase the time spent walking by 10% each day working up to 30 minutes a day.  Be sure to take water breaks too!  For our feline friends playing with wand games, lasers, or puzzle toys that make your cat work for their food will help keep them active.  For cats aim for two or three five-minute intense play periods per day.

Within no time your pet will have more energy, and a slimmer waistline, and will feel better too.